Jamayka Rhose Pascual

The Department of Education (DepEd) has rolled out new flexible guidelines for the implementation of the MATATAG Kinder to Grade 10 curriculum, allowing schools to adjust class schedules.

Photo Courtesy of DepEd/Medium.

Launched in 2023 under the supervision of Vice President Sara Duterte, the MATATAG curriculum was introduced as part of the government’s response to address students’ learning losses during the pandemic.

In the newly issued DepEd Order no. 12 s 2024, released on September 18, schools are now allowed to modify learning schedules starting in the second quarter of the current school year based on their “specific needs and capacities.” 

This flexibility is granted in specific contexts, including the type and size of the school, curricular program offerings, and the availability of the teachers and classrooms.

According to DepEd, this revision of the MATATAG curriculum is designed to address challenges faced by teachers and schools in resource management, ensuring a more efficient delivery of education.

As per the previously set guidelines, each learning area should be allotted 45 minutes per day for five days, with the Homeroom Guidance Program to be only held in a 45-minute session once a week.

DepEd also offered another option in response to the varied needs of schools, allowing them to adopt uniform time slots of 50, 55, or 60 minutes per learning area.

Under the second option, core subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, and Good Manners and Right Conduct will still be taught five days a week to meet all the required learning competencies.

For schools unable to implement either of the two stated options, the DepEd will allow them to propose other options, as long as the total learning contact time is at least five hours and 30 minutes per day.

Regardless of the scheduling option proposed, core subjects must be taught not less than 200 minutes per week, while the Homeroom Guidance Program must be taught a minimum of 45 minutes per week.

Any proposed schedule outside the two provided options must first undergo a review and secure the approval of the School Division Superintendent or authorized representative before its implementation.

Aside from reviewing and approving proposed options, schools division officers are also responsible for providing technical assistance to schools in adjusting classes, promoting fair and equitable distribution of teaching loads while protecting the welfare of the teachers