REFLECTION PAPER ON CURRENT ISSUES AND PROBLEMS IN EDUCATION

TOPIC STATEMENT:

MATATAG Agenda

TOPIC OVERVIEW:

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a wide-ranging impact on almost every aspect of society, including education. Its effect has even contributed to
other existing problems or challenges facing the Department of Education. Challenges include the following: (1) School facilities and learning resources,
which include school buildings across the country in need of improvement, (2) Declining enrollment in private schools caused by the COVID-19
pandemic, which eventually led to the termination of its operations, thus, the number of enrollments in public schools shrunk which led to the creation of
public programs, private schools that learned until new school transfers. ) Assessing teachers' poor teaching methods in the K-12 curriculum that address
21st century skills, lack of deep processing in lessons to cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving skills of students.

These challenges led Vice President and Secretary of Education Sara Duterte to launch MATATAG: Bansang Makabata, Batang Makabansa, on
January 30, 2023, in Pasay City, to set the new direction of the department and stakeholders in solving challenges in basic education.

Speaking to approximately 400 education stakeholders, led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. who attended, VP-Secretary Duterte laid out the
challenges and recent achievements of DepEd, before revealing the new battle cry of the basic education sector.

Duterte emphasized the following statements in his Basic Education Report (BER) for 2023, that we will rally for an improved learning system in
the country, together, we will rally for every Filipino child, For a STABLE People, For our beloved Philippines.

According to Duterte, MATATAG will have four critical components. Each part sets clear goals and takes important steps that hopefully solve the
problems in our department, thus, achieving the goal of the STABLE program.

Make the curriculum relevant to produce competent and job-ready, active, and responsible citizens. The first part aims to: Revise the K-12 Curriculum,
Reduce the number of school sites, Strengthen our literacy and numeracy programs and revitalize Reading, Science and Technology, and Math programs,
Improve English Proficiency while recognizing linguistic diversity Evaluate the implementation of the MTB-MLE Policy Intensify the development of
students' values in curriculum and instruction Transparent in curriculum guides and grades exam, and, Liaise with CHED and TESDA, and various
industry partners.

Take steps to speed up the delivery of basic education facilities and services. The second part aims to: Create infrastructure and school facilities, Build
more stable schools and classrooms, Provide schools with electricity, Provide E-Classroom packages for teaching and learning, Launch the National
Education Portal (NEP) to provide a one-stop-shop platform, Strengthen complementary public and private schools, Implement DepEd's Government
Assistance and Subsidies program with the creation of the Voucher Program Management Office, and Expand the scope of G ASTPE from kindergarten
and elementary learners.
Take good care of students by promoting student well-being, inclusive education, and a positive learning environment. The third part aims to: Strengthen
and institutionalize the reintegration program for adolescent mothers, Children at Risk (CAR), and Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL), Continue to
strengthen the mechanism to protect our students against all types of discrimination and risk. Find mental wellness experts to develop school-level
intervention, strengthen inclusive education programs, and Establish Inclusive Resource Centers (ILRCs)

Give teachers support to teach better. The fourth and final part aimed at: Provide professional development programs, Empower teachers and students in
the use of distance learning technology strengthen the benefits of digital learning, Provide training and other interventions in learning and development,
Fast track the implementation of career development policy for the promotion of teachers, Strictly implement the Merit Selection Policy, Continue to
advocate for additional benefits for teachers, Bait the coverage for the granting of Special Hardship Allowances, Free annual physical examinations for
teachers, Contact the GSIS for an improved and superior benefits package for all DepEd personnel, and lastly, Free legal assistance facility for teachers.

Duterte added that they know, the road will be bumpy, but their direction is clear, the challenges are vast, but we are resilient, we will overcome,
remember that his interest in the future of education in the Philippines is very personal.

In his BER, VP-Sec said. Duterte also gave specific directions and initiatives that will consist of four areas, including improving the curriculum by
focusing on foundational skills and instilling peace skills, building stronger schools and classrooms, strengthening inclusive education programs,
advocating for added benefits for teachers, and providing professional development programs, among others.

Additionally, Duterte reiterated his promise to provide adequate support to thousands of teachers in the country. He thanked the teachers for their
sacrifice and dedication. She added assurance, "We will not abandon you."

He also encouraged stakeholders to join DepEd in building a STABLE nation. He emphasized that improving access, equity, equality, resiliency,
and well-being will not happen overnight, nor can it be done by DepEd alone, we need national commitment and sustained effort from all sectors of
society.

After launching MATATAG, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, VP-Sec said. Duterte, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senator Sherwin
Gatchalian, Rep. Roman Romulo, and other education partners wrote their promises and support for the new basic education agenda.

Matatag: DepEd’s new agenda to resolve basic education woes. Department of Education. (n.d.).

https://www.deped.gov.ph/2023/01/30/matatag-depeds-new-agenda-to-resolve-basic-education-woes/

The Department of Education of the Philippines (DepEd) announced their new agenda to solve basic education problems on January 30, 2023, Vice
President and DepEd

These main categories are mentioned as major contributors to the difficulties currently being experienced by the basic education system in the Philippines
that DepEd is addressing these problems comprehensively and holistically, which is admirable and much needed.

One of MATATAG's agenda focused on the development and training of teachers, DepEd has particularly significantly prioritized the training and
development of teachers because it recognizes the critical role that teachers play.

Second, curriculum reform is also important. To better meet the demands of the twenty-first century, DepEd proposes to update the current curriculum.
Giving them the knowledge and skills, they need to succeed in a global job market that is becoming more competitive will help students prepare for a
rapidly changing world. is the upgrading of educational facilities DepEd is committed to providing students with a safe, comfortable,

In conclusion, DepEd's MATATAG program is a wonderful and considered necessary effort to address basic education problems in the Philippines.

REFLECTION/REACTION:

In conclusion, the DEPED Matatag program is an important initiative of the Department of Education in the Philippines to ensure that schools and
communities are prepared and equipped to deal with disasters and emergencies. The program promotes resilience and preparedness and emphasizes the
importance of collaboration and technology in facilitating learning during crises. Through DEPED Matatag, schools can take proactive measures to reduce
the impact of disasters and emergencies, and ensure that learning can continue even in times of crisis.

RECOMMENDATION/SUGGESTIONS

As a teacher, I appreciate what the DepEd is doing to see the curriculum and how the government helps teachers like me to make teaching students better
and better. I also super appreciate what was said that the teachers will be given benefits so that everything will be better.

Submitted by:

SITTIE ALYANNA N. ZACARIA

MAED – EM

1G-A