COMMITMENT TO SUSTAIN MATATAG AGENDA

The MATATAG agenda of the Department of Education (DepEd) was conceptaualized to bring new direction in resolving the country’s basic education challenges, according to Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte.

The Education Chief said this was launched tonrally for an improved learning system in the country.

The MATATAG agenda fas four critical components. These are:

First is to MAke the curriculum relevant to produce competent and job-ready, active, and responsible citizens is the first component that will ensure a more strengthened literacy and numeracy programs. It will reduce the number of learning areas in K to 3 from 7 to 5 to focus on foundational skills in literacy and numeracy in the early grades, particularly among disadvantaged students.

Second is to TAke steps to accelerate the delivery of basic education facilities and services that plans to build more resilient schools and classrooms in 2023. The allocated budget is expected to build around 6,000 classrooms.

Third, is to TAke good care of learners by promoting learner well-being, inclusive education, and a positive learning environment that will undertake initiatives to provide schooling to many more children and youth in situations of disadvantage, regardless of gender, abilities, psycho-emotional and physical conditions, cultural and religious identity, and socioeconomic standing.

The Secretary said the agency will work with legislators and local government units through the Literacy Coordinating Council to eradicate illiteracy at the city, municipal, and barangay levels through relevant policy issuances, and community literacy program interventions.

The fourth component is to Give support to teachers to teach better. This is in terms of innovative, responsive, and inclusive teaching approaches following the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (PPST).

The DepEd will capacitate teachers and learners in utilizing technology in remote learning to maximize the benefits of digital learning.

She also stressed that, improving access, equity, equality, resiliency, and well-being will not happen overnight, nor it can be done by DepEd alone, and needs national commitment and sustained effort from all sectors of the society.

-oOoThe author is a Teacher III at Mexico National High School