Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara announced that Philippine Schools Overseas (PSOs) will be integrated into the comprehensive reform rollout of the agency, ensuring that the more than 25,000 Filipino learners across 10 countries are included in the agency’s new policy initiatives.
During a virtual “Online Kumustahan” session held last Thursday, DepEd officials met with representatives from 35 PSOs to discuss upcoming changes slated for School Year 2026-2027.
These reforms include a shift to a three-term school calendar, updated classroom assessment and grading guidelines, and the implementation of the Strengthened Senior High School (SHS) Program.
“Following the marching orders of President Bongbong Marcos, we are committed to ensuring that our global learners are not left behind as we transform our curriculum to be more responsive and future-ready,” Angara pointed out.
“Through these orientations, we want to ensure our schools are prepared and supported for the upcoming school year as we implement these vital changes,” he added.
The session provided a platform to address the operational and academic flexibility needs of schools—most of which are located in the Middle East—and followed a previous April 7 dialogue where the agency assured overseas educators and learners of continued support amid regional conflicts.
According to DepEd, the transition to a three-term calendar is designed to maximize instructional time and reduce teacher administrative burdens.
The strengthened SHS curriculum also aims to improve graduate employability and readiness for higher education. These efforts are part of a broader push to simplify lesson planning and strengthen education during emergencies.
DepEd Assistant Secretary for Learning Systems Strand Jerome Buenviaje said these initiatives are part of a holistic effort to improve the country’s educational framework.
“Ito po ang DepEd reforms—dugtong-dugtong, magkakaugnay upang higit na mapatibay ang ating sistemang pang-edukasyon (These are the DepEd reforms—interlinked and interconnected to further strengthen our education system),” Buenviaje said.
While the three-term calendar is mandatory for the K to 12 curriculum nationwide, Buenviaje noted that the department will grant PSOs a transition period, allowing schools to exercise flexibility based on the specific requirements of their host nations.
DepEd officials emphasized that maintaining alignment with national standards is essential to ensure that overseas Filipino learners can seamlessly reintegrate into the Philippine school system upon their return.