PRODUCING RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS

VALERIE NICOLE L. AGUILA

The Department of Education (DepEd) said it will continue to work on making the basic education curriculum produce more competent, job-ready, active, and responsible citizens of the country. Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte, during her Basic Education Report (BER) 2024, said the agency is now preparing for the nationwide phased implementation of the MATATAG K-10 Curriculum, the rollout of the National Math Program and the National Science and Technology Program, and the institutionalization of their comprehensive Peace Education Program which are the result of thorough review and utilization of the results of both national and international assessments. MATATAG stands for MAke the curriculum relevant to produce competent and job-ready, active, and responsible citizens; TAke steps to accelerate delivery of basic education facilities and services; TAke good care of learners by promoting learner well-being, inclusive education, and a positive learning environment; and Give support to teachers to teach better. Duterte mentioned in her BER 2024 collaborations with the World Bank and Asian Development Bank to pursue Project for Learning Upgrade Support and Advancing Climate-smart, Quality, Inclusive and Resilient Education. As a response to the national policy of agriculture as one of the backbones of wealth creation, she said DepEd will integrate entrepreneurship and agribusiness education to the basic education curriculum and launch the Pampaaralang Taniman ng mga Agribida Program through its partnership with Go Negosyo. The DepEd Digital Education 2028 was also presented which would be the agency's flagship program in pursuing full digitization and interconnectivity of all DepEd offices and schools. The agency has initiated talks with Converge, PLDT, Globe, Starlink, and other internet providers with the aim of providing adequate internet access to both teachers and learners in our schools, she said. Alongside traditional textbooks, the Department will also provide eTextbooks. To leverage digital technology, they started consultations with various publishers to facilitate the provision of electronic textbooks. In the procurement of textbooks for the MATATAG K-10 Curriculum, the agency will require the winning bidder to provide us with electronic copies that learners may access anytime, anywhere, she added.

-oOoThe author is a Teacher I at Malabanias Integrated School