DepEd Rolls Out Reform Orientations for SY 2026–2027, Angara Warns vs Added Teacher Workload

The Department of Education (DepEd) has begun nationwide orientations for public school heads as part of its preparations for major teaching and learning reforms for School Year 2026–2027, with officials emphasizing that changes must not come at the expense of teachers’ time and workload.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara underscored this point, issuing a clear directive to school leaders as the reforms take shape.

“Habang pinapadali natin ang sistema, hindi puwedeng dinadagdagan ang trabaho ng guro. No unnecessary reports, no extra tasks that take teachers away from teaching,” Angara said.

The orientations, which started on April 24, are designed to equip school heads with the leadership and management tools needed to implement new academic protocols. These sessions build on earlier regional and division planning conferences and are now being conducted through cluster-based formats nationwide. A broader orientation for both teachers and school heads is scheduled from May 2 to 15.

Angara stressed that the early rollout reflects a more deliberate and structured approach to reform implementation.

“Hindi puwedeng papel lang ang pagbabago. Kailangan ramdam ito sa bawat classroom,” he said. “We are making sure our school heads and teachers understand not just the ‘what,’ but the ‘why’ and the ‘how.’”

Balancing Reform with Teacher Welfare

A central theme of the initiative is reducing administrative burden on teachers, a longstanding concern within the education sector. DepEd reiterated that school heads are expected to streamline school-level requirements in line with national efforts to simplify teachers’ workload.

The department emphasized that reforms should ultimately allow educators to focus more on instruction rather than paperwork.

To support implementation, DepEd has mobilized senior officials to directly lead the orientations across regions, ensuring consistent and accurate communication of policy updates. Sessions are being conducted through flexible modalities—including face-to-face, online, and self-paced formats—supported by training materials and designated resource persons.

Key Changes in School Structure and Learning Delivery

Among the major reforms discussed is the transition to a three-term school calendar. This includes the introduction of an “opening block” at the start of the school year, which will focus on baseline assessments, school diagnostics, and early-year programs such as feeding initiatives.

The goal is to complete preparatory and administrative tasks before formal instruction begins, enabling teachers and students to concentrate on learning once regular classes are underway.

Carmela Oracion, Undersecretary for the Learning Systems Strand, clarified that the revised calendar will not increase financial burdens on families.

“The total number of school days remains the same. What we are changing is how time is used,” Oracion explained, noting that typical back-to-school expenses such as uniforms, supplies, and daily allowances will remain unchanged.

Broader Reform Coverage

The orientations also cover updates to classroom assessment and grading systems, lesson planning guidelines, flexible learning programs, and protocols for ensuring learning continuity during emergencies. Enhancements to the Senior High School curriculum and work immersion programs are likewise included.

DepEd said these strategic adjustments are aimed at improving learning outcomes by creating a more focused and supportive environment for both students and teachers.

As reforms move toward full implementation, Angara’s directive serves as a reminder that systemic improvements must go hand in hand with protecting the core mission of educators: teaching.