ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. Antonio Tinio has raised concerns over the implementation of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) new three-term school calendar, saying it presents a major adjustment challenge for public school teachers as classes officially open.
In an exclusive interview on DZRH Stories: Pinoy Documentaries, Tinio noted that the new system will be implemented immediately without a pilot run.
“Walang pagpapilot basta nagdesisyon (ang) DepEd na i-implement na starting tomorrow (June 8) 'yung bagong kalendar na sabi mo nga 'yung three terms,” Tinio said.
Under the new system, the school year will shift from four grading periods to three terms, which Tinio said significantly changes academic planning, budgeting, and instructional scheduling.
“Major na pagbabago ito dahil ibig sabihin yung pagbabudget nila sa ituturo sa isang buong taon ay mababago dahil maiba na nga 'yung mga period, tatlo na lamang,” he explained.
Tinio also raised concerns about the limited break periods between terms, saying that only around eight to ten days will be allotted for various school-related activities.
“Isisiksik daw sa mga walong araw hanggang sampung araw na break sa pagitan ng mga term, lahat ng mga extracurricular activities, lahat ng mga training ng teachers, meron pang ARAL Program uli, at iba pa,” he said.
He warned that these short breaks may not be sufficient to accommodate both administrative tasks and learning activities outside the classroom.
“Ang question ngayon ay mapagkakasya ba ang lahat ng ibang kailangan gawin ng mga estudyante at guro sa mga period na ito,” Tinio added.
The lawmaker also pointed out that simultaneous curriculum changes, including the revised senior high school program, may prove to be additional challenges for the current school year.
Tinio stressed the need for careful implementation and monitoring as the education system undergoes multiple reforms at once.
