Matatag is more than being committed
THE Filipino word “matatag”, when used as an adjective, could be viewed as steady or unchanging, calm or settled, secured or firm, or committed. When used as a noun, it can be viewed as a team. As a verb, it is to team up or join forces or establish.
Whichever, it is the word that captured the agenda of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte for the Department of Education (DepEd) in the next six years.
The very essence of the word “matatag” in people’s lives is becoming firm in all our plans, actions, and decisions. This is also true in VP Duterte’s Basic Education Report (BER) 2023.
As the concurrent Education Secretary, VP Duterte recently launched Matatag: Bansang Makabata, Batang Makabansa (A nation for children, children for the nation) agenda.
Matatag is an acronym for the four major commitments of VP Sara which will also be led by her team as she introduced them during the BER. For Curriculum and Teaching, Undersecretary (Usec) Gina O. Gonong with Assistant Secretary (Asec) Alma Ruby C. Torio and G.H. S. Ambat.
For Administration, Usec. Kristian R. Ablan and ASec. Christopher Lawrence S. Arnuco; For School Infrastructure and Facilities, Usec. Epimaco V. Densing III; For Operations, Usec. Revsee A. Escobedo and ASec. Francis Cesar B. Bringas and Dexter A. Galban.
For Legal and Legislative Affairs, Usec. Jose Arturo
C. De Castro and ASec. Amanda Marie F. Nograles; For Human Resource and Organizational Development, Usec. Gloria Jumamil-Mercado; For Finance, Usec. Annalyn M. Sevilla; For Procurement, Usec. Gerard L. Chan and ASec. Omar Alexander V. Romero; and spokesperson and Director IV Atty. Michael Wesley T. Poa.
The roadmap of VP Duterte’s governance for DepEd envisions implementing resilient reforms in the curriculum, education services and provision of facilities, learner wellbeing, and teacher support programs. Thus, the word matatag.
The acronym stands for MAke the curriculum relevant to produce competent, job-ready, active and responsive citizens, TAke steps to accelerate the delivery of basic education services and provision of facilities, TAke good care of learners by promoting learner well-being, inclusive education, and a positive learning environment, Give support to teachers to teach better.
All these cover the entirety of the main programs of DepEd focusing on the holistic development of every learner, improved curriculum where all the significant learnings are applied in real life situations, conducive and positive learning environment for learners where they are motivated to learn more, and reskilling and upskilling of teachers so they can provide the best learning experiences for all the learners.
All these are centered on the learner because education determines the quality of each individual’s life. Education develops our knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values.
When we educate them young, we train their critical thinking skills. They can make rational and informed decisions, solve simple and complex problems, and acquire knowledge and skills so they can use their potential, and become good members of the society.
Education is not limited in the four corners of the classroom. It can be everywhere and anytime. It does not end when we receive our diploma.
We are all lifelong learners. We try out new discoveries and allow our experiences to achieve fulfillment. While we recognize our interests and goals, we also improve our personal and professional skills.
We commit to become the best version of ourselves. We establish ourselves and we become matatag.
So, with VP Duterte’s Matatag agenda, we ensure a brighter and fulfilled future for our children. We all become an important figure in their development.