A major reform in basic education was made in the Philippines with the implementation of the K-12 program in 2012. Eleven years later, on August 10, 2023, the MATATAG Curriculum was launched by the Department of Education (DepEd). This new K – 12 curriculum started its phased implementation in school year (SY) 2024-2025.
The planned implementation of the senior high school (SHS) revised curriculum was actually to be done in 2026. However, Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara, in his recent statement, is pushing for implementation of the new SHS curriculum this SY 2025-2026, noting that the core subjects will be reduced from 15 to 5-7 subjects.
When asked about the senior high school “phased rollout” implementation, Maasin City Division Superintendent Genis S. Murallos said that the “DepEd SHS Curriculum is still undergoing consultation,” and is “not really sure” if this can be implemented in 2025.
Secretary Angara said that some schools find it difficult, so a phased implementation may be allowed. The basic curriculum will be provided but the schools, especially private schools, may add electives that they want to offer, though some may be mandatory for students. The core subjects are communications, Filipino history, mathematics, science, computing, and life or soft skills. “Karamihan electives. Pipiliin ng mga bata ‘yung ano talaga gusto niya,” he said further. (There will be a lot of electives. The children will choose what they really want.)
In 2023, DepEd organized a national task force to conduct a review on the implementation of the SHS program in both DepEd and non-DepEd schools. Meanwhile, the recalibrated K-10 curriculum is now in its phased implementation. And the number of learning competencies was reduced from around 11,700 to 3,600. Greater emphasis is given on the development of Kinder to Grade 3 learners’ foundational skills such as literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional skills.
The Matatag curriculum focuses on foundational skills such as reading, writing, and math at the primary level. It also reduces the overall content by consolidating learning areas and reducing lesser essential topics. Progressive assessment strategies like project-based portfolios are also incorporated. Matatag also emphasizes cross-curricular connections to promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills. (GMReyes, Sources: DedpEd, GMA Integrated News)