The Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) emphasized that private schools are not required to adopt the three-term school calendar set to be implemented in public schools starting School Year 2026–2027.
In an interview, COCOPEA Managing Director Joseph Noel Estrada said that while some private institutions have already implemented the system, a law is still needed to cover all schools offering basic education.
Estrada stressed that a “one-size-fits-all” policy must be carefully studied, noting that while some institutions may be able to adopt the reform, others may not.
He added that reforms may be implemented more quickly in public schools, while private institutions must also consider stakeholders such as students, parents, and varying social classes.
Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DepEd) has maintained its support for the three-term calendar, saying it has undergone extensive consultations with various sectors.
(PHOTO COURTESY: DepEd)
