Manila: The Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday lauded the enactment of Republic Act 12322, which updates a provision of the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, or RA 10533, providing more flexibility in teaching methods. This move aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to ensure quality education and uphold teachers' welfare within the basic education system.
According to Philippines News Agency, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara welcomed the measure, stating it opens opportunities for new pedagogical approaches or strategies in teaching and learning. The updated provision allows policy flexibility, enabling instructional approaches grounded in classroom evidence and field experience. Under the amended version, Section 5, paragraph (g) of RA 10533 was updated by removing the statutory reference to 'spiral progression,' which revisits concepts in subjects like Science and Mathematics with increasing depth and complexity. This change allows teachers to adopt mastery-based learning or alternative methods, ensuring learners grasp foundational concepts before advancing.
The curriculum's flexibility aims to address learning gaps while focusing on stability in schools and improving learner outcomes. Any instructional delivery changes will undergo review, considering pedagogical evidence, practical considerations, teacher training, and textbook supply. The overall curriculum will be reviewed at least once every five years, with the DepEd working on guidelines or Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for nationwide implementation.
In other developments, Angara expressed gratitude to educators in the Bicol region for their dedication, as he led the oath-taking of 5,354 newly promoted and reclassified teachers and school heads. The promotion falls under the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System, aiming to address the long-standing backlog in teacher promotions. Angara noted that many teachers remained in Teacher I positions for years, prompting some to seek opportunities abroad. The ECP system has processed about 82,000 teacher promotions this year, with more expected to follow.
The DepEd is also enforcing the Anti-Bullying Act and hiring 10,000 School Counselor Associates (SCAs) to strengthen learner support in public schools. Despite having available funding, many guidance counselor positions remain unfilled due to stringent qualification requirements. The SCAs, with backgrounds in psychology, counseling, or behavioral science, will help identify learners needing guidance, provide counseling support, and coordinate with parents when necessary.
Angara led the ceremonial turnover of lapel microphones to educators, funded through the Office of the President, to prevent vocal strain from extended teaching hours. The department's proposed 2027 budget, twice this year's allocation, will support teacher promotions, classroom construction, tutorials, and the school feeding program, fulfilling President Marcos' directives to prioritize teacher health and welfare while providing modern teaching tools.
Additionally, Angara inaugurated three new facilities with 48 classrooms at Marcial O. Ra±ola Memorial School (MORMS), addressing the three-shift class arrangement. The new buildings will allow all Grades 7 to 12 learners to attend regular, full-day classes. This effort aligns with the Marcos administration's priority to improve education infrastructure through collaboration with various agencies and local government.
3rd District Rep. Adrian Salceda and Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Bernie Despabiladero praised the project, funded under the 2024 Basic Education Facilities Fund (BEFF). The initiative, costing PHP150 million, will consolidate shifts into one, greatly benefiting the school community. MORMS Principal Alicia Lim expressed gratitude for the additional classrooms and hoped for further expansions to reduce class sizes and enhance learning environments.
