MAPEH: A KEY LEANING AREA

MARIA SYLVIA M. SANTIAGO

MAPEH, as a key learning area, is of major significance in the development of all the learners in various grade levels. MAPEH in its four main components, is designed to develop students holistically.

In the Philippines under the K to 12 Curriculum, the Physical Education program seeks to provide opportunities for the Physical Development of Filipino learners through the development of various competencies under the basic education curriculum by the provision of appropriate activities and programs in the instruction.

Moreover, the P. E. program aims to develop the physical prowess of the students, their agility, endurance, vitality and kinesthetic skills. Thus, P. E. is designed to help students to be mentally sound, well-poised, physically strong and emotionally balanced.

The Music program on the other hand, is directed to expose students and pupils to the development of their appreciation for culture and music of various regions worldwide. In addition, the program are given the opportunity to sing music from various genres, play different instruments and listen to the recording of various artists of the world. With this program, they are assisted to create their own music.

The Art program on the other hand, is geared towards the appreciation of the students in the field of arts and culture of various regions worldwide. It also focuses on the development of art skills, like sketching, painting, coloring,molding,sculptureandconstructionofvariousartmodels/artworks.

The Health program in particular, is designed to keep students informed and aware of the health matters/ issues and latest health concerns. The program focuses on the topics regarding health assessment, proper hygiene/ health habits, food and drug substance abuse, mental health, emotional health and various illnesses. With such program, it directs students to develop a healthy lifestyle. This program aims to equip students with necessary knowledge and skills to live healthily.

In general, MAPEH is designed to develop the physical, mental, emotional and artistic/ aesthetic abilities of every student. With such, MAPEH teachers undergo a specialized curriculum to equip them with the different competencies and knowledge and technical know-how so as to train them on how to conduct lessons/ instructions in MAPEH.

With the current K to 12 curriculum, MAPEH is one of the key learning area offered because the government and the academe recognize the value of the afore stated subject in the holistic development of the learners towards globally competitive graduates.

Hence, MAPEH must be given focus with equal importance as the other learning areas in the K to 12 curriculum and collegiate programs.

— oOo— The author is Teacher III at St. Vincent Quebiawan Integrated School