House panel takes a look at DepEd’s new MATATAG curriculum
THE House Committee on Basic Education and Culture chaired by Pasig City Representative Roman Romulo has started evaluating the phased implementation of the new MATATAG curriculum of the Department of Education.
Solons have expressed concern about the impact of the new curriculum on the learning continuity, particularly to Grade 1 to 3 students, given the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for schools to return to the old academic calendar year that begins in June.
Romulo has pointed out the need to develop the reading comprehension of Filipino elementary students.
“We have not fared well in international and local assessments. Alam natin, sinabi na ng lahat ng dalubhasa, hindi siya rocket science. Ang amin lang sana gawin nyo na agad agad because the longer you delay and tapos nagpropromote pa tayo ng students, kawawa din yung learners. So iyun lang – sense of urgency lang, lalo na sa grades one to three,” Romulo said.
The MATATAG curriculum is part of the Basic Education Development Plan 2030 that the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Board approved in its meeting last April 25, 2024.
MATATAG stands for 1) Make the curriculum relevant to produce competent, job-ready, active, and responsible citizens; 2) Take steps to accelerate the delivery of basic education facilities and services; 3) Take good care of learners by promoting learner well-being, inclusive education, and a positive learning environment; and 4) Give support to teachers to teach better. It was to be DepEd’s new direction towards improving quality of basic education in the country.
Negros Occidental Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Benitez sought assurance that the DepEd will be able to provide textbooks of the new curriculum in time for the reverted school opening.
DepEd Undersecretary For Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Gina Gonong said the MATATAG curriculum has already been pilot-tested in 35,000 out of the 47,000 elementary and high schools in the country.
