National Chairman of the Teachers Dignity Coalition Benjo Basas believes that implementing a trimester system in basic education is a big change and must be discussed with all stakeholders.

In an interview on Balansyado, Basas said that the news of the trimester proposal came as a surprise to the coalition.

“Nagulat din kami na lumabas na ito sa news. And in fact, nauna pa sa’min ‘yung mga nasa balita at nakita na lamang namin na may proposed na (bagong) schedule ang ating Department of Education,” he said.

The chairman asserted that this was a big change and must be discussed by all stakeholders—not just students and teachers but also parents.

“This particular proposal sa tingin namin ay kailangan nating pag-usapan muna, kailangan muna magkaroon ng mga diskusyon, kailangan muna konsultahin ‘yung lahat po ng mga stakeholders at kailangang kumbinsihin ‘yung mga taumbayan, ano, hindi lamang ‘yung ating mga teacher at estudyante, kundi ang ating mga magulang,” Basas told the anchor.

He pointed out that it would be an abrupt transition to implement the new system next year, considering that the curriculum had just changed. In the next school year, he noted, the enhanced senior high curriculum will take effect nationwide.

Instructional materials would have to be modified to accommodate the schedule, he said, adding that for Grades 11 to 12, students’ subjects differ in the first and second semesters.

Basas shared that one professor said the university they teach at reverted back from having a trimestral school year to having only two semesters. He said input from such institutions would be valuable.

The Palace said that the matter should be discussed with all stakeholders to determine what is best for the youth.