The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday, August 10 launched the Matatag curriculum or the recalibrated curriculum of Kinder to Grade 10.
In her speech, DepEd Bureau of Curriculum Development director Jocelyn Andaya said that the new Matatag curriculum features five foundational learning areas for Grades 1 to 3.
These include Language, Reading and Literacy, Mathematics, Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC), and Makabansa.
Makabansa is a new subject, a merge of the Araling Panlipunan and Music, Art, Physical Education & Health (MAPEH).
"Ang Makabansa ay naglalayon na makahubog ng aktibong mag-aaral sa pamamagitan ng paglinang ng mahahalagang kasanayang nagpapamalas ng pagkakakakilanlan, pagkamalikhain, pagkamalusog, at pakikipag-ugnayan sa kapwa at isa pang aspeto ng lipunan tungo sa pagiging holistiko ang taglay ang 21st na siglo na kasanayan," she said.
Andaya also underscored that the inclusion of the GMRC in the new curriculum is significant as learners will be taught how to respectfully engage in relational dynamics.
Meanwhile, in her speech, Vice President and Education Sara Duterte said the newly-launched MATATAG curriculum addressed the concerns in the current curriculum such as the overloaded lessons or subjects, other school's tasks and activities, and the excessive number of learning competency.
"DepEd will give greater emphasis on the developments of the foundational skills such as literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional skills of our kinder to grade 3 learners," she said.
Duterte said the Matatag curriculum will also intensify the formation of value and character of students through the GMRC subject, and also the development of 21st-century skills.
The Education Secretary proudly shared that the K to 10 curriculum will likewise "integrate peace competencies, highlighting the promotion of non-violent actions and the development of conflict resolution."
"DepEd's track remains to be fundamentally illuminated by the wisdom of our slogan, Matatag: Bansang Makabata, Batang Makabansa, meaning DepEd's programs are intentionally tailored to produce competent, job-ready, active, responsible, and patriotic citizens," Duterte said.
The implementation of the Matatag K to 10 curriculum is set in School Year (SY) 2024-2025 and will end by SY 2027-2028.
During the ceremony, Duterte handed copies of the new curriculum to selected elementary students from both private and public schools.
