April 27, 2024 - The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Board, chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has approved the Department of Education’s (DepEd) MATATAG Agenda and the Basic Education Development Plan (BEDP) 2030 as the national policy and plan for basic education in the Philippines. The approval was given during the 15th NEDA Board meeting held on Thursday, April 25, 2024.
In the meeting, President Marcos stated, “The [NEDA] board approves the adoption of the Basic Education Development Plan 2023 and MATATAG Agenda as a national policy and plan for basic education.”
Vice President and Secretary of DepEd, Sara Z. Duterte, presented the details and accomplishments of the BEDP 2030 and MATATAG Agenda to the NEDA Board. The BEDP, anchored on the Ambisyon Natin 2040 and responsive to the commitments in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, is the country’s first medium-term plan for basic education. It covers formal K-to-12 education and non-formal education for youth and adults.
The MATATAG Agenda, launched in January 2023, provides a roadmap of specific deliverables and commitments that DepEd aims to deliver by 2028. MATATAG stands for (1) Make the curriculum relevant to produce competent, job-ready, active, and responsible citizens; (2) Take steps to accelerate the delivery of basic education facilities and services; (3) Take good care of learners by promoting learner well-being, inclusive education, and a positive learning environment; and (4) Give support to teachers to teach better.
“The BEDP and the MATATAG Agenda embody the major steps that we will be taking to improve the quality of basic education in the Philippines,” VP Duterte said.
This move signifies the government’s commitment to enhancing the quality of basic education in the country and ensuring that the curriculum is relevant and responsive to the needs of the learners.