THE House Committee on Basic Education and Culture chaired by Pasig City Lone District Rep. Roman Romulo met on Monday to evaluate the phased implementation of the new MATATAG curriculum of the Department of Education (DepEd).
Romulo expressed concern about the impact the new curriculum will have on learning continuity, particularly on 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.
He also 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. Ana natin how to teach reading comprehension is science already. 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.
To help attain the commitments articulated in the MATATAG agenda, DepEd adopted DepEd Order 13, series of 2023, containing the National Learning Recovery Program (NLRP).
The MATATAG curriculum has the following features: 1) decongested curriculum; 2) focus on foundational skills; 3) balanced cognitive demands; clearer articulation of 21st-century skills; reduced learning areas; intensified Values Education and Peace Education, and 4) parity with international standards.
Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Benitez (3rd District, Negros Occidental) 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.
DepEd officials are set to provide the committee an updated scenario on what will happen to the procurement and distribution of DepEd textbooks given the President’s recent pronouncements.
Rep. Steve Chiongbian Solon (Lone District, Sarangani) asked about the geographical representation of the said 35,000 schools.
The panel also approved House Bill (HB) 4781 declaring the Janiuay Public Cemetery in Iloilo and its adjoining structures as a National Cultural Treasure.
Rep. Lorenz Defensor (3rd District, Ioilo), author of HB 4781, described the site as “One of the most beautiful heritage sites in the Philippines.”
According to him, the Janiuay public cemetery constructed from 1874 to 1888 is the most artistic burial ground in its time, endowing the public cemetery with historical and architectural importance. Thus, it is imperative for the State to prioritize its restoration and preservation for future generations.
Likewise the panel approved subject to style and amendments HB 8511 establishing the second district of Bohol Congressional Library and Museum in Ubay, Bohol.
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