On June 8, 2026, approximately 26 million learners returned to classrooms across the Philippines, marking the official start of School Year 2026-2027.
Efforts to Bridge Learning Gaps
Schools have been preparing for the reopening through classroom readiness activities, teacher deployment, and material distribution.
Department of Education (DepEd)
The Department of Education (DepEd) has prioritized addressing educational deficiencies that surfaced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials indicated that schools have undertaken significant preparations to ensure a seamless transition into the new academic year.
Despite these efforts, concerns linger regarding classroom shortages and teacher workloads, particularly in urban areas where overcrowding is prevalent. Many institutions are expected to continue using shifting schedules to accommodate the influx of students.
As part of the preparations for the school year, the government has also implemented measures to assist students and parents on the first day of classes. The Department of Trade and Industry released a price guide for school supplies to aid families in budgeting.
Traffic and transport agencies have deployed personnel to manage congestion around schools during this busy period, while local government units are working on safety and emergency response plans, especially in flood-prone areas.
DepEd is set to monitor the situation closely during the opening week, aiming to swiftly address any issues that arise as schools resume full operations. Further reports on enrollment and operational challenges are expected in the coming days.