Five schools in La Union province are joining 30 more from six other regions around the country for the pilot-testing of the Matatag K to 10 Curriculum this school year, which aims to decongest the existing one.

In a conference hosted by the Philippine Information Agency-Ilocos Region on Monday, Department of Education (DepEd) Ilocos Regional Director, Dr. Tolentino Aquino said the five schools are from Bangar, Bauang, Caba, Sto. Tomas, and Tubao towns.

“There was 70 percent reduction in terms of competencies. Aming nakausap ang mga guro ng limang schools na nagpapapilot at tuwang tuwa sila. Ang sinasabi nila ay malaking kaluwagan (ito) sa mga guro at mag-aaral (There was 70 percent reduction in terms of competencies. We talked with the teachers from the five schools that are pilot-testing [the curriculum] and they are so glad. According to them it is a great relief for them and the learners),” he said.

The curriculum was launched in September and is expected to decongest the present K-12 curriculum by reducing the number of competencies and focusing more on the development of foundational skills such as literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional skills of learners.

Citing what the teachers told them, Aquino said the educators are always on the rush in the current K-12 curriculum and do not have enough time to do all their tasks.

He said the reduction in the curriculum is supported by education experts, including those from other countries.

He said parents do not have to worry about the planned changes in the curriculum since what will be taught are foundational skills, and will also highlight values education or character building, including peace education.

Aquino said implementation of the revised curriculum will be done in phases starting the school year (SY) 2024-25, and will initially include Kindergarten and Grades 1, 4, and 7.

For SY 2025-26, pilot testing will cover Grades 2, 5, and 8; while it will include Grades 3, 6, and 9 in SY 2026-2027; and Grade 10 in SY 2027-2028. (PNA)