SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian welcomed the Senate’s ratification of the bicameral conference committee report on proposed amendments to the K to 12 Law, saying the measure would give the Department of Education (DepEd) greater flexibility in implementing the basic education curriculum.

The ratified measure reconciles the disagreeing provisions of House Bill No. 5939 and Senate Bill No. 1899, allowing DepEd to adopt the teaching approach it deems most effective instead of being limited to a single framework.

The proposal seeks to amend the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, or Republic Act No. 10533, which institutionalized the spiral progression approach under the K to 12 program.

Under the spiral progression framework, students are introduced to basic concepts at an early stage, with lessons revisited and expanded in complexity as they advance through grade levels.

However, the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), in its final report, noted that the approach often forced teachers to become generalists rather than subject specialists, particularly in Mathematics and Science.

The report also pointed to congested instruction and gaps in students’ mastery of foundational skills and competencies.

“Upang matuto nang husto ang ating mga mag-aaral, kailangang tiyakin nating ginagamit ng ating mga guro ang pinaka-epektibong paraan para sa pagtuturo,” said Gatchalian, who co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1899.

Gatchalian said the amendment would allow DepEd to adopt more responsive and evidence-based teaching strategies aimed at improving learning outcomes and strengthening the delivery of basic education.