By Glenn D. Tipay, EPS-II/SMN
Olongapo City, May 27, 2024 — In a concerted effort to elevate educational standards and ensure the successful implementation of the new MATATAG Curriculum, the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Olongapo City conducted an intensive School-Based Training program for teachers. The training, held from May 20 to 24, 2024, took place at Travelers Hotel, Diamond Hotel, and Regional Science High School III, and was attended by teachers from Kindergarten, Grades 1, 4, and 7, along with the Division Management and Training Team.
This initiative is in line with Regional Memorandum No. 129, s. 2024, and the directive from the Office of Human Resource and Organizational Development. The program was meticulously designed to provide professional development support to educators and school leaders, ensuring they are well-prepared to implement the MATATAG Curriculum in the upcoming school year.
The MATATAG Curriculum, which stands for “Makatao, Makabayan, Makakalikasan, at Maka-Diyos,” represents a comprehensive overhaul of the existing educational framework, focusing on holistic development and values-based education. The training aimed to give teachers an in-depth understanding of the curriculum’s structure, goals, and methodologies.
Dr. Imelda P. Macaspac, OIC-Schools Division Superintendent of SDO Olongapo City, emphasized the importance of this training. “The MATATAG Curriculum is designed to meet the evolving needs of our learners and prepare them for the challenges of the future. This training ensures that our educators are well-prepared to deliver high-quality education and foster an environment of continuous learning and improvement.”
Dr. William Roderick R. Fallorin, CESO VI, Assistant Superintendent of SDO Olongapo City, further said that at the end the day it’s how we implement the curriculum, no matter how good the curriculum that was crafted, “if we failed in our work as teachers, the beauty of the curriculum is also worthless, so at the end of the day it’s not about curriculum, it’s still about you and about the learners”.
The five-day training included a mix of lectures, hands-on workshops, and collaborative discussions, allowing teachers to delve deeply into the curriculum’s components and practical applications. The sessions were led by a team of seasoned educators and curriculum experts of SDO Olongapo City who provided valuable insights and strategies for effective teaching.
One participant, Ms. Imelda D. Lacandili, a Master Teacher I at Sta. Rita Elementary School, shared her thoughts on the training. “This has been an incredibly enriching experience. The MATATAG Curriculum is comprehensive, and the training has given me the tools and confidence to implement it effectively in my classroom. I’m excited to see the positive impact it will have on my students”.
As the training concluded, there was a profound sense of readiness and enthusiasm among the educators. The SDO Olongapo City remains committed to supporting its teachers through continuous professional development initiatives, ensuring that the implementation of the MATATAG Curriculum will be successful and beneficial for all students.
