Dennis Gasgonia

Article (news)

Francis Orcio

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — As the June 8 opening of classes approaches, parents have started flocking to Divisoria in Manila to buy school supplies for their children on Sunday.However, many are holding off on completing their purchases due to uncertainty surrounding the Department of Education’s (DepEd) newly adopted three-term school calendar for School Year 2026–2027.Among those who went shopping on Sunday was Christopher Vallespin, who visited Divisoria with his Grade 6 son.As he prepares for the upcoming school year, Vallespin said he remains unsure of the requirements under the new academic setup.“Nagche-check lang kami kasi hindi ko pa talaga alam kung may mga nadagdag na subjects or anong curriculum meron ngayon,” he said.(We are just checking prices because I still don&#x27;t know if there will be additional subjects or what curriculum will be followed.)<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/5/28/87-of-grade-11-students-assessed-are-non-independent-readers-edcom-2-1912">87% of Grade 11 students assessed are &#x27;non-independent&#x27; readers — EDCOM 2</a></div>For now, he plans to prioritize buying school uniforms that his son will be sure to use.“Kasi pwedeng to follow na lang iyong mga notebooks,” he added.(I can just buy notebooks another time.)The same concern was shared by Julie Bongcawil, who traveled from Aliaga, Nueva Ecija, to Divisoria in search of affordable school supplies for her children and grandchildren.“Nakakalito. Pero ano po, siguro, kung halimbawa pumasok na iyong mga bata at nagkaroon kami ng meeting mga parents, siguro kung ano iyong kulang, magdadagdag na lang po. Wala pa po kasing ano, [update], iyong mga teacher ng bata,” Bongcawil said.(It is confusing. If the children go back to school and we have a meeting for parents, then we will probably just buy what we lack. For now, there has been no update from the teacher.) The confusion stems from DepEd’s implementation of a three-term academic calendar, replacing the traditional four-quarter system beginning this school year. Under the new structure, each term will begin with a one-week opening block dedicated to assessments and administrative preparations.This will be followed by a longer instructional period focused solely on teaching and learning, and conclude with a two-week end-of-term block for examinations, remediation activities, teacher training, and selected school events. DepEd earlier said the redesign aims to address uneven instructional periods experienced under the previous calendar, particularly during quarters disrupted by typhoons and other interruptions. <div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/23/new-3-term-school-year-breaks-calendar-into-three-blocks-to-cut-disruptions-1557">New 3-term school year breaks calendar into three blocks to cut disruptions</a></div>The reform also seeks to reduce classroom disruptions caused by frequent school celebrations and extracurricular activities.Some parents admitted they are unsure whether the new calendar will affect the number of subjects offered per term, leaving them uncertain about how many notebooks and learning materials their children will need.The uncertainty appears to have affected business activity in Divisoria, where some school supply vendors reported slower sales compared to previous years.“Mas kaunti ngayon. Last year kasi, sobrang dami,” said Don Relecio, owner of Mar Merchandise in Divisoria. (There are fewer shoppers now. Last year, there were so many.)Despite the slower turnout, bundled notebooks remain among the store’s best-selling items.<div> </div><div>DVISORIA SCHOOL SUPPLIES PRICE LIST </div>Notebook bundles currently range from P120 to P250, depending on the type and quality.Pencil boxes cost between P70 and P120, while ballpens sell for as low as P5 each. Crayons are priced from P30 to P95 depending on the number of pieces, while glue products range from P15 to P70.Erasers and sharpeners cost between P5 and P15 each. With the rainy season approaching, vendors also expect stronger demand for children’s raincoats and umbrellas, which sell for around P150 to P160. <div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/people-culture-events/2026/5/27/back-to-school-promos-p1-supplies-p299-mystery-bag-and-more-1720">Back-to-school promos: P1 supplies, P299 mystery bag, and more </a></div>School uniforms remain relatively affordable, with elementary blouses priced between P150 and P180 and high school blouses ranging from P200 to P250. Slacks cost between P180 and P300, depending on the grade level.Meanwhile, synthetic leather black shoes range from P250 to P500, while waterproof rubber shoes are available for as low as P150 to P200. Socks are being sold at three pairs for P50.Vendors said prices of school supplies are generally lower this year compared to previous back-to-school seasons They also assured customers that no price increases are expected before classes officially begin on June 8.

Many are holding off on completing their purchases due to uncertainty surrounding the Department of Education’s newly adopted three-term school calendar for School Year 2026–2027.

Many are holding off on completing their purchases due to uncertainty surrounding the Department of Education’s newly adopted three-term school calendar for School Year 2026–2027.

‘Nakakalito’: Parents struggle with school shopping decisions as DepEd calendar changes

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‘Nakakalito’: Parents struggle with school shopping decisions as DepEd calendar changes

Francis Orcio,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 31, 2026 04:12 PM PHT

Read More:

DepEd

Divisoria

Brigada Eskwela

School Opening

Sonny Angara

Back to school

School Calendar

Education

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