The Schools Division Office (SDO) of Puerto Princesa City has begun implementing a revised classroom assessment and grading system under DepEd Order No. 15, s. 2026, introducing earlier academic interventions, term-based grading, and protected instructional time beginning School Year 2026–2027.
The policy was among the major education reforms presented during the division’s second-quarter EduConnect: Kumustahan with Media Partners, where education officials discussed the implementation of the new three-term school calendar alongside updated classroom assessment and recognition guidelines.
Curriculum Implementation Division (CID) representative Imelda Oblan said the revised grading system is designed to identify learning gaps earlier and provide immediate intervention before students proceed to the next academic term.
“After po ng instructional block ay magkakaroon ng end-of-term block. Sa end-of-term block, ito po ay 10 days at sa first five days nito, andoon kaagad ang remediation. Ibig sabihin, pag ang bata ay mayroon kaagad learning gap, matutulungan kaagad sa first five days. Kasabay nito ay nagko-compute na ang mga teachers ng kanilang grade para sa term one. Then pagkatapos niyan, pang-6 day ay distribution of the report cards,” Oblan explained.
Under the new system, every instructional term will be followed by a 10-day end-of-term block. The first five days will be dedicated to remediation activities for learners who need additional academic support, while teachers simultaneously finalize grades. Report cards will be distributed on the sixth day, followed by wellness breaks for students and teachers.
Education officials said the changes are intended to shift the focus from merely recording grades to ensuring that learning deficiencies are addressed immediately, allowing students to receive timely interventions before advancing to the succeeding term.
The revised guidelines also complement DepEd Order No. 9, s. 2026, which introduced the three-term school calendar aimed at maximizing classroom instruction and minimizing disruptions caused by non-academic activities.
During the briefing, DepEd officials emphasized that co-curricular and extracurricular activities will largely be scheduled during the end-of-term block or outside regular class hours to avoid interrupting classroom instruction.
“Gusto lamang po naming bigyan ng diin na ang pangunahing dahilan bakit tayo nag-shift from fourth periods to three-term ay para maproteksyunan ang instructional time ng ating mga teachers and learners at maiwasan ang pagkaabala at pag-antala ng klase,” a DepEd presenter said during the media briefing.
Officials explained that school-based celebrations and observances, including Nutrition Month and similar activities, will now be integrated into classroom lessons instead of requiring whole-day programs that consume instructional time.
To support the transition, schools have also been directed to prepare contextualized school calendars that will properly schedule teacher training, sports competitions, and other school activities without compromising learning hours.
Schools Division Superintendent Layda M. Lagar-Mascareñas underscored the importance of keeping parents and the public informed about the latest education policies through the partnership between DepEd and the local media.
“Sa araw na ito ay nawa ay magkaroon tayo ng lalong magandang pagkakaunawaan sa lahat ng mga impormasyon na ninanais ng ating Kagawaran ng Edukasyon sa pamamagitan ng Sangay ng Puerto Princesa City, upang lalo ninyo kaming matulungan bilang mga ka-partner namin sa pakikipag-komunikasyon sa madla, lalong-lalo na ang ating mga magulang,” Lagar-Mascareñas said.
She added that informing parents about policy reforms is essential in ensuring their continued participation as partners in supporting learners’ education and development.
The Schools Division Office said the revised assessment guidelines form part of DepEd’s continuing efforts to improve learning outcomes while promoting a more balanced academic environment that values both student achievement and well-being.
