FEBRUARY 15, 2024
7:00-5:00 PM
By: Ryan Paul DC. Dayao The Catechetical Foundation of the Archdiocese of Manila in partnership with the Manila Archdiocesan
School Association (MAPSA) and the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP-NCR) Christian Formation Committee held a seminar-workshop on the orientation of the new Department of Education “Matatag Curriculum”.
The gathering aims to introduce the new DepEd curriculum to the catechists of Manila and identify possibilities for collaboration and integration of catechetical tools into the new system of education in public schools.
The seminar was held at the “Sala ni Ka Luring” of the CFAM building and started with the registration of participants, which includes Catechetical Coordinators, Grade Level Chairpersons, Head Catechists, and Catechists representatives from different Vicariates of the Manila.
The first session was given by Rev. Fr. Glenn William Z. Relucio, Ph.D., the Regional Trustee of CEAP NCR, who discussed the rationale and framework of the new curriculum.
Fr. Glenn also explained that a good curriculum should be dynamic, adaptable, and regularly updated. It should feature clear, SMART educational objectives, demonstrate relevance, alignment, and progression, and incorporate engaging and differentiated assessments.
Integration of technology and cultural responsiveness were also highlighted, and the need to recognize the active presence of today's youth on social media.
The second session was given by Sister Aileen Bonifacio, SPC, Chair of the Committee on Christian Formation. Sr. Aileen delved into the details by Unpacking the Matatag GMRC/VE Curriculum.
Sr. Aileen discussed the comprehensive report submitted by the Department of Education (DepEd) to the President, that will be used in the pilot phase this coming school year.
According to her, the Matatag Curriculum also aims to alleviate administrative tasks from teachers, a change that will significantly affect the quality and workload of the teachers. The new curriculum also allows the mandatory teaching of GMRC in the lower grades (elementary) for five days and the Values Education Classes for the upper grades (high school).
She reminded the group of the importance of staying updated with the movements in DepEd to prepare catechists for different scenarios this coming school year.
Exploring the meaning behind MATATAG, Sr. Aileen unveiled the true purpose of the MATATAG Agenda, derived from its goals:
- Make the curriculum relevant to produce competent, job-ready, active, and responsible citizens;
- TAke steps to accelerate the delivery of basic education facilities and services;
- TAke good care of learners by promoting learner well-being, inclusive education, and a positive learning environment; and
- Give support to teachers to teach better.
Sr. Aileen stressed that catechists also play a role in preparing children to be competent, job-ready, active, and responsible
citizens. The inclusion of the first "MA" in the MATATAG Agenda highlights the curriculum's relevance, which is evident in the Matatag Curriculum itself.
This coming academic year the subject Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao will be replaced with GMRC for grades 1-6 and Values Education for grades 7-10, instead of ESP (Edukasyon sa Pagpapahalaga). She praised the well-structured curriculum developed by DepEd, emphasizing its thorough explanations of concepts similar to those taught in catechesis or Christian Living classes.
In the afternoon session, the catechists were divided into small groups for the workshop activity. The goal of the workshop is to harmonize the CFAM syllabus with the new curriculum by identifying topics from the existing CFAM syllabi and aligning this to the topics from the proposed Matatag curriculum.
The one-day gathering was a resounding success. The collaborative efforts between these various catholic educational institutions showcase the common goal of ensuring the integration of the catholic faith in the educational system of the Philippines and the mission to form not only the mind but the hearts and souls as well.
Thank you very much, MAPSA and CEAP NCR CHRISTIAN FORMATION COMMITTEE.
