Public schools in Palawan will proceed as planned with the pilot implementation of the MATATAG curriculum this July, according to the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Curriculum Implementation Division (CID) in Palawan. This comes despite the recent resignation of Vice President Sara Duterte, who spearheaded the MATATAG Agenda as DepEd secretary.

The MATATAG curriculum is an overhaul of the basic education curriculum, focusing on improving literacy and mathematics skills of kindergarten to Grade 10 students. 

It is part of the National Learning Recovery Programs (NLRP) implemented in 2023 to address learning gaps caused by the pandemic.

Preparations for the MATATAG curriculum are on track, said DepEd Palawan-CID, according to Palawan News. They have already finished training school leaders for their role in the program.

DepEd Palawan has trained over 4,000 school leaders and teachers across more than 800 schools in the province. Teacher training is set for July 9-20 for additional sessions that will focus on instructional leadership for elementary school heads and specialized training for Grade 7 and 10 teachers.

“Lahat ng trainings na ito ay NEAP-accredited at inaasahang tumulong upang ma-strengthen ang instructional skills ng ating mga guro [All these trainings are NEAP-accredited and are expected to help strengthen our teachers’ instructional skills],” DepEd Palawan-CID said. 

They added that all these training will be completed before the school year starts in July to ensure teachers and school heads are prepared. They also acknowledged the support from education program supervisors and coordinators.

The leadership change at DepEd is not expected to affect the program’s rollout. “We have established orders, guidelines, and policies for smooth operations despite the transition,” DepEd Palawan-CID explained. 

“Expected po natin ang transition kapag may change sa administration, tuloy-tuloy ang mga programa at mga naka-set na activities [We expect a transition when there is a change in administration, but the programs and scheduled activities will continue]… All activities relative to opening of classes, including all programs and projects shall push through,” they added.

The MATATAG agenda focuses on four key goals: make the curriculum relevant to job skills, improve access to educational facilities, promote student wellbeing, and support teachers.