QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday, January 30 presented the Basic Education Report 2023 highlighting the present current challenges and the sector priorities of the agency in building a strong education system. This is part of the continuous goal of the government to rebuild and make a stronger nation.

To push for reforms in various aspects of the educational sector, the DepEd together with the strong leadership of Vice President Sara Duterte has laid down the agency’s strategic program and projects:

• Revision of the K-12 curriculum making it relevant to produce competent, job-ready, active, and responsible citizens;
• Reduce the number of learning areas and focus on foundational skills;
• Strengthen the literacy and numeracy programs by revitalizing the reading, science, and technology ad math programs;
• Provide transparent curriculum guides to stakeholders;
• Collaborate with researchers and analysts in making an evidence-based policy decision by providing data on test results;
• Engagement with CHED and TESDA and other relevant agencies to address skills mismatch;
• Focus on school Infrastructure and facilities targeting to build around 6,000 classrooms in 2023 and establishing fully functional library hubs;
• Institutionalize blended learning by providing “E-classroom packages” for teaching and learning that includes 46 laptops, 2 charging cards, routers, and smart TVs;
• Establishment of a National Education Portal (NEP) to cut down manual processes;
• Strengthen mental health services in schools; and
• Provide assessments and assistive mechanisms and establish more inclusive learning centers for students with special needs.

As part of the collective action in addressing the downfalls of the educational sector, one of the biggest factors is strengthening the very foundation of the education system, which is the role of human interaction and people power.

Vice President Sara Duterte said that “Our teachers. They are the lifeblood of the Department of Education Without our teachers, our mission to carve a better future for our children will fail”.

As the Department of Education (DepEd) moves forward with a strategic road map to a stronger education in the Philippines, it has prioritized actions to ensure the welfare and development of teachers and school personnel:

• Expansion of GASTPE coverage for teachers;
• Provision of scholarship graduate programs for teachers;
• Removal of administrative tasks to teachers;
• Expansion of Special Hardship Allowance (SPA);
• Request for an improved GSIS benefit package for school personnel; and
• Provision of free legal assistance facility for teachers concerning loan contracts and cases.

The goal for a stronger Philippines is surely at hand if we push to make the future of our children on the right path. The Department of Education (DepEd) launched the “MATATAG” Agenda

• MAke the curriculum relevant to produce job-ready, active, and responsible citizens
• TAke steps to accelerate the delivery of basic education services and provide facilities.
• TAke good care of learners by promoting learner well-being, inclusiveness learning, and a positive learning environment.
• Give support to teachers to teach better.

Vice President Sara Duterte stated that “We know that the road will be bumpy, but our direction is clear. We will overcome. Tayo po ay magiging MATATAG. Tungo sa isang Bansang Makabata at Batang Makabansa.”

This is a call for support from the Filipino people on how we can all be part of the solution. (MGR /PIA-CPSD)