President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Department of Education (DepEd) will pilot-test the new K-to-10 curriculum in at least 35 schools across seven regions in the country to decongest the current curriculum.
The President’s statements came during DepEd’s Basic Education Report (BER) presented by Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Thursday, Jan. 25.
“We are decongesting the curriculum with a focus on the development of foundational skills. I’m happy that the DepEd is piloting a new K-to-10 curriculum in 35 schools across the region,” President Marcos said.
The K-to-10 curriculum will be tested in public elementary schools in the provinces of Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Visayas, Central Mindanao, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), National Capital Region (NCR), and Caraga.
President Marcos commended DepEd for its accomplishments amid diverse challenges. He expressed his satisfaction with the country’s education sector, emphasizing that the milestones it achieved thus far deserved congratulations.
He acknowledged the vice president’s stewardship of the largest agency with the most extensive constituency and a challenging mandate. President Marcos extended his gratitude, saying, “Daghang salamat.”
Recognizing teachers as incubators of ideas and innovators, the chief executive announced upcoming programs to enhance educators’ competencies based on experiences and tested best practices.
In the interest of students’ and teachers’ health, President Marcos urged collaboration between the Department of Health (DOH) and DepEd to strengthen health centers supporting the network of school-based health facilities and dental clinics.
Regarding the School-Based Feeding Program, President Marcos emphasized the careful selection of beneficiaries and the need for complementing nutrition programs by other agencies in alignment with the National Nutrition Program.
In addressing the issue of bullying in schools, the President emphasized the role of schools as sanctuaries for diversity, resource centers for teens, psychosocial first aid centers, mental health nurturers, and bulwarks against the drug menace.
During his speech, President Marcos invited the Filipino people to join the administration in transforming the country’s education system, aligning with the vision of the “Bagong Pilipinas” campaign.
He stressed that achieving the envisioned “Bagong Pilipinas” depended on continuous efforts to transform the education system for the benefit of Filipino children.