The Vice President and Secretary of Education, Sara Z. Duterte, launched the new battle cry for the Philippines' basic education sector, MATATAG: Bansang Makabata, Batang Makabansa, on Monday.
The launch, attended by over 400 education stakeholders and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., marked the setting of a new direction for the Department of Education and its stakeholders in solving the challenges in basic education.
According to VP-Sec. Duterte, MATATAG will have four critical components: (1) making the curriculum relevant to produce competent and job-ready citizens, (2) accelerating the delivery of basic education facilities and services, (3) promoting learner well-being and a positive learning environment, and (4) supporting teachers to teach better.
The Vice President emphasized that, though the road ahead will be bumpy, the direction is clear, and the Philippines, known for its resilience, will overcome the challenges.
In her Basic Education Report for 2023, VP-Sec. Duterte also presented specific directions and initiatives that will make up the four components, including improving the curriculum by focusing on foundational skills and incorporating peace competencies, building stronger schools and classrooms, strengthening inclusive education programs, supporting teachers with additional benefits, and providing professional development programs.
She also reinforced her commitment to supporting the thousands of teachers in the country.
VP-Sec. Duterte also called on stakeholders to participate in building a MATATAG nation and emphasized that improving access, equity, equality, resiliency, and well-being cannot be achieved overnight and requires a national commitment and sustained effort from all sectors of society.
After the launch of MATATAG, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., VP-Sec. Duterte, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, Rep. Roman Romulo, and other education partners signed a commitment to work together to improve basic education in the Philippines. —iTacloban