PASAY CITY — As a significant leap towards a better, more promising future for Filipino learners, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Thursday led the formal launching of the Department of Education’s Kinder to Grade 10 (K-10) MATATAG Curriculum.

In her message at the launch in Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Duterte said the current K to 12 Curriculum will be “decongested” in the MATATAG Curriculum, and will give more focus on development of foundational skills such as literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional skills.

“This curriculum will be integral in DepEd's MATATAG Agenda unveiled in January this year. DepEd's track remains to be fundamentally illuminated by the wisdom of our slogan 'MATATAG: Bansang Makabata, Batang Makabansa,’” Duterte said.

“Meaning, DepEd's programs and reforms are intentionally tailored to produce competent, job-ready, active, responsible, and patriotic citizens,” she added.

Duterte said the formation of learners' values and the development of their characters will be intensified in adherence to the Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) or RA 11476 and Values Education Act of 2020.

Peace competencies, she said, will also be emphasized in the curriculum in hopes to highlight the promotion of non-violent actions and the development of conflict-resolution skills in learners.

“For after all, if there is security, there is peace,” she added.

Duterte stressed that the new curriculum is a “labor of love” between DepEd and international and local academics, the private sector, government agencies, and education stakeholders.

She also thanked former Education Secretary Leonor Briones for her “bold action and leadership,” and for the initiative in reviewing the K to 12 curriculum for Filipino learners.

The K to 12 curriculum review started during the time of Briones under the Duterte administration.

“We are optimistic that this will provide our children with a meaningful learning experience that will boost their intelligence, improve their knowledge, enhance their skills and talents, and prepare them to become well-rounded, mature individuals,” Duterte said.

“It is designed to help improve the learning outcomes of our children and help them succeed in life,” she added.

She said the revised curriculum is a significant leap towards a better, more promising future for Filipino learners.

She also called on education stakeholders, teachers, and school officials for their dedication, commitment, support, and resolve to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of the program.

“Let the MATATAG Curriculum become a testament to our faith, love, hard work, and hope for our children's future,” Duterte said.

“Together, let us embrace this transformative change. For our children. For their future,” she added.

OVP MEDIA