Philippines Adopts Trimester Calendar, Modest Graduations

In Manila, the Department of Education has issued guidelines for modest graduation ceremonies amid rising fuel costs, while President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved a shift to a trimester academic calendar for public schools starting next school year, aiming to streamline instruction and reduce disruptions.

The graduation directive, outlined in DepEd Memorandum No. 015 for 2026, requires all public schools to conduct end-of-school-year rites without excessive spending or elaborate attire. Education Secretary Sonny Angara stated that the measures align with the president's efforts to ease financial pressures on families facing higher transportation and commodity prices. "We must ensure that this milestone remains a celebration of achievement rather than a financial ordeal for our parents, especially as we navigate the economic impact of rising fuel costs," Angara said. Schools are prohibited from collecting fees or contributions for the events, and participation cannot depend on payments. Ceremonies should use simple venues like school grounds or covered courts to avoid rental costs, and nonacademic activities such as field trips or prom nights must not be required for...