An official from the Department of Education (DepEd) announces encouraging feedback from students and teachers regarding the ongoing pilot testing of the new K-10 (Matatag) curriculum. This initiative aims to streamline and “decongest” the current curriculum, making instruction delivery easier for educators.
Salustiano Jimenez, Director of DepEd Central Visayas (DepEd 7) highlights the favorable response from teachers who find it more manageable to deliver instructions due to the revisions. Jimenez emphasizes that this alignment with international standards ensures a more standardized curriculum.
The pilot phase of the Matatag curriculum, covering Kindergarten, Grades 1, 4, and 7, is slated for nationwide implementation in the upcoming academic year 2024-2025. This follows the successful pilot implementation in 35 schools across the country, which began on September 25, 2023. Participating regions included Central Visayas, the National Capital Region, Cordillera Administrative Region as well as Regions 1, 2, and 12, and Caraga.
In Central Visayas, schools such as Tindog Integrated School in Medellin, North Central Elementary School in San Fernando, Tabogon Central Elementary School, Dumanjug National High School and Liloan National High School were chosen for the pilot program.
Jimenez outlines significant adjustments in subjects and their allocation across grade levels under the Matatag curriculum. For instance, Grade 1 students will now be taught five subjects, including Language, Reading and Literacy, Mathematics, Makabansa, and Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC), down from the previous seven subjects.
As the rollout progresses, the medium of instruction from Kindergarten to Grade 3 will be the mother tongue language specifically Cebuano for the Central Visayas region. Additionally, Grades 4 to 10 will encompass eight subjects, including Filipino, English, Science, Mathematics, Araling Panlipunan, MAPEH, Technology and Livelihood Education, and GMRC.
The revised curriculum will be implemented in phases beginning with Kindergarten, Grades 1, 4 and 7 in the academic year 2024-2025 followed by subsequent grades in the following school years. Training for teachers has already commenced in preparation for the curriculum rollout.
However, amidst the positive developments, there are voices of concern. A coalition of teachers has urged DepEd to pause the rollout of the updated curriculum and engage with education stakeholders to develop a more relevant and responsive curriculum. Criticism has arisen regarding the premature implementation of the Matatag curriculum with concerns about its experimental nature following the perceived issues with the previous K-12 program.
Meanwhile, DepEd is gradually transitioning back to the June to March school calendar, responding to complaints about the challenges of conducting classes during the scorching summer months. This decision aims to address the needs and concerns of educators and students alike.
