By CESAR JOLITO III
The Department of Education in the Negros Island Region (DepEd-NIR) is encouraging students to attend classes on the first day of the school year today, as the department will be implementing a three-term school calendar, citing its benefits in reducing costs and improving instruction time.
DepEd-NIR spokesperson Almyr Caezar Dequiña urged learners to arrive prepared and ready to begin the new academic year, emphasizing the importance of being present on the opening day.
“Make sure you are there and ready to start classes on June 8,” Dequiña said, calling on students and parents to support a smooth and organized reopening of schools.
The opening of classes also marks the implementation of the new three-term academic calendar, a significant change in the country’s basic education system that will be adopted across schools in the region.
Under the new system, classes will open today and end on April 8, 2027, covering a total of 201 class days.
While the school year remains divided into four academic quarters, the updated calendar will structure them into three terms, each with three distinct components:
* Opening Block: Focused on learner profiling, readiness assessments and initial school preparation.
* Instructional Block: Dedicated to uninterrupted, continuous teaching and learning to ensure curriculum targets are met.
* End-of-Term Block: Reserved for academic intervention, consolidation of lessons and professional development for teachers.
DepEd said the new school year aims to improve continuity in teaching and learning.
Meanwhile, DepEd-NIR reported that as of June 4, its quick enrollment count had reached 443,884 learners.
The agency clarified that the figure is still incomplete, with additional enrollees expected in the coming weeks as registration continues.
Officials expressed confidence that enrollment numbers will increase substantially once late registrants and transferees are included in the final tally.
To help ease financial concerns among families, DepEd reiterated that wearing complete school uniforms is not required at the start of classes.
Students may attend in appropriate casual attire, provided they comply with the dress code and grooming policies of their respective schools.
The department said the policy is intended to ensure that no learner is prevented from attending school due to the lack of a prescribed uniform as the new school year begins./CCJ, WDJ