The MATATAG program, initiated by the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines under Vice President and Secretary of Education Sara Z. Duterte, is a comprehensive reform initiative aimed at transforming the basic education system. Launched in January 2023, the program’s full title is “MATATAG: Bansang Makabata, Batang Makabansa,” which translates to “A Strong Nation for Children, Children for the Nation”
Objectives of the MATATAG Program
The MATATAG program is designed to address several critical challenges in the Philippine education system:
- Enhancing Curriculum Relevance: The program aims to make the curriculum more applicable to students’ immediate employment prospects and civic responsibilities. This includes reducing the number of competencies to focus on essential skills such as literacy and numeracy.
- Improving Facilities and Services: It seeks to accelerate the delivery of basic education services and upgrade learning facilities across the country.
- Promoting Learner Well-being: The initiative emphasizes inclusive education and creating positive learning environments that cater to diverse student needs.
- Supporting Teachers: MATATAG aims to provide better resources and professional development opportunities for teachers, thereby enhancing their teaching effectiveness.
Key Features of the MATATAG Curriculum
According to Duterte, MATATAG will have four critical components:
- 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.
The MATATAG Curriculum, a core component of this initiative, will be implemented in phases starting from School Year 2024-2025. It will initially cover Kindergarten, Grades 1, 4, and 7, with subsequent grades added in later years. Notable features include:
- Focus on Foundational Skills: The curriculum will prioritize foundational skills necessary for academic success and personal development, particularly in early education.
- Integration of Values Education: It aligns with the Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) and Values Education Act, emphasizing moral development alongside academic achievement.
- Peace Competencies: The curriculum will also incorporate peace education, teaching conflict resolution and promoting non-violent behaviors among students.
Implementation and Stakeholder Engagement
As the MATATAG program is still in its early stages, specific requirements for participation are yet to be fully detailed. However, DepEd encourages all stakeholders—students, teachers, and educational administrators—to engage actively with the program as it develops. The initiative has garnered significant public support, with a survey indicating a 96% approval rate for its proposed changes among various educational stakeholders 2.In summary, the MATATAG program represents a significant step towards revitalizing basic education in the Philippines by focusing on relevance, inclusivity, and support for both learners and educators.