By Katrina Gracia Consebido
Vice President and Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sara Duterte vowed to strengthen the numeracy and literacy programs of the K to 12 curriculum in a bid to develop reading, science and technology, and mathematics skills of Filipino students.
“We will revise the K to 12 Curriculum to make them more responsive to our aspiration as a nation, to develop lifelong learners who are imbued with 21st-century skills, discipline, and patriotism,” Duterte said.
“We will reduce the number of learning areas in K to 3 from 7 to focus on foundational skills in literacy and numeracy in the early grades, particularly among disadvantaged students,” she added.
Duterte also noted the integration of “peace competencies” in the curriculum, adding that it will be beneficial for students in conflict-affected areas in the country.
“We will integrate “peace competencies” such as social awareness, responsibility, care for the environment, value for diversity, self-esteem, positive character, resilience, and human security into the various learning areas of the K to 12 Curriculum,” she added.
Duterte also bared that DepEd is finalizing the review of the K to 10 curriculum, while the Senior High curriculum is currently being reviewed.
The Education secretary said the agency is also studying the implementation of the Mother Tongue-based Multilingual Education Policy.
Duterte said the department will also coordinate with the Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and industry partners to address the skills mismatch of Senior High School graduates. – gb
