FILE PHOTO: Public school teachers like Ivy Catungal of San Diego Elementary School in Batasan Hills, Quezon City, can focus more on teaching once they are unburdened of administrative tasks unrelated to their main job under a new Department of Education order. – The Department of Education (DepEd) has introduced flexible guidelines for the implementation of the Matatag Curriculum. INQUIRER/GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) has introduced flexible guidelines for the implementation of the Matatag Curriculum.
Citing DepEd Order (DO) No. 012, s. 2024, the agency said in a statement on Thursday that the new guidelines will allow schools to adapt class schedules based on their specific needs and capacities to ensure smoother education delivery despite limited staff and facilities.
Based on previously released DO No. 10, s. 2024, all learning areas must be taught 45 minutes a day for five days, and the Homeroom Guidance Program for 45 minutes once a week. the DepEd said this will be retained as option A.
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However, under the new provisions, option B will allow schools to allocate uniform time slots of 50, 55, or 60 minutes per learning area.
Under this option, English, Mathematics, Science, Good Manners, and Right Conduct must be taught five times a week.
“Additionally, Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan (EPP)/Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE), Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health (MAPEH), Araling Panlipunan (AP), and Filipino for four times a week, and Homeroom Guidance Program once a week,” the DepEd said.
In cases where neither option A nor B is feasible, the DepEd will allow schools to propose other combinations, provided that the total learning contact time is at least five hours and 30 minutes per day. This will be option C, according to the new DO No. 012-2024.
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“The time allotment for English, Mathematics, Science, and GMRC/Values Education shall not be less than 225 minutes per week. Moreover, the time allotment for EPP/TLE, MAPEH, AP, and Filipino shall not be less than 200 minutes per week, and the time allotment for the Homeroom Guidance Program shall not be less than 45 minutes per week,” the order states.
The DepEd stressed that a proposed combination outside the options provided under the new department order must first undergo a review and secure the approval of the School Division Superintendent or authorized representative.
It added that technical assistance must be provided to schools, which must ensure fair and equitable distribution of teaching loads while protecting the welfare of teachers.