P1.5-B ALLOCATED FOR TRAINING OF TEACHERS IN MATATAG CURRICULUM, SAYS GATCHALIAN

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senator Win Gatchalian has announced the allocation of a total of P1.5 billion for the training of teachers in the MATATAG curriculum.

This decision follows the recommendation made by the Senate Committee on Finance, chaired by Gatchalian, to set aside funds for the training of educators in preparation for the rollout of the MATATAG K to 10 curriculum.

As outlined in the committee’s report on the General Appropriations Bill (GAB), P1.5 billion has been earmarked for the training of teachers in the MATATAG K to 10 curriculum. The rollout is scheduled to commence in phases, beginning in the School Year (SY) 2024-2025, targeting Kindergarten, Grades 1, 4, and 7.

Gatchalian noted that while the initial recommendation was P1.7 billion, the final allocation is P1.5 billion.

“Our crucial recommendation focuses on the training of teachers for the MATATAG curriculum. We proposed P1.7 billion to facilitate the training of teachers for the rollout, commencing in the School Year 2024-2025.

The approved amount of P1.5 billion will be utilized to train approximately 200,000 teachers across Key Stage 1 and other grade levels,” said Gatchalian, who serves as the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education.

Highlighting the need for change, Gatchalian emphasized that experts have identified the current K to 12 basic education curriculum as overly congested. This congestion, according to the senator, hampers learners from mastering essential competencies, including literacy and numeracy.

The Department of Education (DepEd) states that the MATATAG K to 10 curriculum places a strong emphasis on foundational skills such as literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional skills. Additionally, it incorporates peace competencies.

(ai/mnm)