Teachers welcome the MATATAG curriculum; urge DepEd to prioritize their welfare, too
Curriculum changes should be coupled with improvements in teachers' welfare as well.

This is the message that the Teachers' Dignity Coalition (TDC) conveyed to the government after the Department of Education (DepEd) launched the revised curriculum for Kindergarten to Grade 10 or the MATATAG K to 10 Curriculum.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2023/8/10/dep-ed-launches-matatag-k-to-10-curriculum
The TDC commended DepEd's response to the call for decongesting basic education and incorporating peace education through the implementation of the MATATAG curriculum, set to begin in School Year (SY) 2024-2025.
“At least the DepEd recognized the problem and provided a potential solution to its congestion,” stated TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas.
Basas, who is also a public school teacher, emphasized that concerns about the "congested" basic education curriculum, particularly in the primary grades, have been raised by teachers.
One notable feature of the new K to 10 curriculum is the reduction in the number of learning areas or subjects at lower grade levels.
For example, in Grades 1 and 2, DepEd has decreased the subjects from seven to five. Grade 3 will have six subjects, while Grades 4 to 10 will have eight subjects.
In the MATATAG curriculum, DepEd has integrated a Values Education subject and peace concepts into the grade levels.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2023/8/12/understanding-dep-ed-s-matatag-k-to-10-curriculum
While recognizing DepEd's initiative in changing the current curriculum, TDC reminded the agency of the existing problems in the country's basic education system that also require attention.
In addition to framework and orientation, adequate physical facilities, and quality instructional materials, the group highlighted the significance of having highly motivated and well-compensated teachers.
“This positive step should be accompanied by policies that address teachers' rights and welfare, including compensation, incentives, and other measures to enhance the socio-economic welfare of teachers, who are the single most important factor in the learning process,” said Basas.
In connection with this, the group called on Congress to enact a pay increase for public school teachers, among other benefits.
RELATED STORY:
https://mb.com.ph/2023/8/11/k-to-12-program-to-continue-dep-ed