All about the MATATAG Curriculum

The Philippines’ Department of Education (DepEd) has launched a revised

basic education curriculum.

Labelled 'MATATAG', the curriculum will be implemented in phases, from

August 2024 to 2028. DepEd’s MATATAG Agenda aims to produce
competent, job-ready, active, responsible and patriotic citizens.

"MATATAG" stands for "MAke the curriculum relevant to produce job-ready,

active, and responsible citizens; TAke steps to accelerate the delivery of basic
education services and provision facilities; TAke good care of learners by
promoting learner well-being, inclusiveness learning, and positive learning
environment; and Give support for teachers to teach better."

The new K to 10 curriculum decongests the existing K to 12 curriculum by 70

percent, by reducing the number of competencies, whilst focusing on the
development of 'essential elements' from kindergarten to grade 10, including
language, reading and literacy, mathematics, makabansa (patriotism), good
manners and right conduct.

The decluttered curriculum and emphasis on fundamental skills are two

hallmarks of the new K–10 Curriculum.The MATATAG Curriculum aspires to
have balanced cognitive demands and a clearer articulation of 21st-century
skills by decreasing learning areas. Additionally, it was intended to strengthen
Values Education and Peace Education while assisting in bringing the nation's
basic education system "on par with international standards."

Upon full implementation of the new K to 10 curriculum, Filipino and English

will be introduced later in grade 2, science in grade 3, and social studies,
music, arts and physical education in grade 4. 'Mother Tongue' and
humanities will be dropped as subjects.

The new curriculum gained 96 per cent approval among 4,843 respondents,
including students, teachers, school owners, government agencies, private
organizations, and non-government organizations.

The DepEd announced that the MATATAG Curriculum will be implemented in

SY 2024-2025 for Kindergarten, Grades 1, 4, and 7.
In SY 2025-2026, Grades 2, 5, and 8 will be under the new curriculum with
Grades 3, 6, and 9 in SY 2026-2027. Grade 10 learners will join them on SY
2027-2028. (PNA)