SENATOR Loren Legarda has welcomed the enactment of Republic Act No. 12322, a major education reform that gives the Department of Education (DepEd) greater flexibility in determining the most effective curriculum approaches for Filipino learners.

Enacted on Aug. 2, 2026, the law amends Section 5 of the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 by removing the statutory requirement for schools to use the spiral progression approach.

Under the previous framework, concepts were introduced in the early grades and revisited in succeeding levels with increasing depth and complexity. RA 12322 now allows DepEd to retain, modify, or replace the spiral progression approach based on evidence, subject-specific requirements, grade levels, and actual classroom conditions.

Legarda, the law’s principal author, said the reform seeks to ensure that students acquire the necessary knowledge and skills before advancing to the next level.

“Hindi sapat na paulit-ulit lamang na madaanan ng bata ang isang aralin. Kailangang matiyak na nauunawaan niya ito at kaya niya itong gamitin bago siya tumuntong sa susunod na antas,” Legarda said.

She said the law gives DepEd clearer direction in designing a curriculum that responds to learners’ needs while maximizing the strengths and expertise of teachers.

The reform was informed by findings of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), which identified persistent weaknesses in curriculum design and implementation.

EDCOM II reports cited problems such as repeated competencies, gaps in foundational knowledge, limited retention, and a lack of cumulative learning.

The commission also found that a rigid curriculum framework did not adequately address varying learning contexts, including the Alternative Learning System and Indigenous Peoples Education.

Its final report, “Turning Point,” likewise raised concerns about teachers being required to handle multiple subject areas instead of concentrating on their fields of expertise, particularly in critical disciplines such as Science and Mathematics.

Legarda said excessive competencies and teacher assignments outside their areas of specialization can reduce the time available for meaningful instruction and mastery.

“Kapag napakaraming competency na kailangang habulin at ang guro ay nagtuturo ng subject na hindi niya espesyalisasyon, nababawasan ang oras para ipaliwanag at matutunan nang mabuti ang bawat aralin,” she said.

The senator clarified that RA 12322 does not prohibit the use of spiral progression. Instead, it gives DepEd the authority to determine whether the approach remains appropriate for particular subjects, grade levels, and learning environments.

The law also institutionalizes regular reviews of the curriculum and teaching approaches, allowing DepEd to incorporate emerging best practices, innovations, and evidence-based methods.

Legarda said continuous review will help ensure that teaching strategies remain relevant and effective as learners’ needs and the demands of the modern world evolve.

“Ang edukasyon ay hindi maaaring manatiling nakatali sa mga paraang hindi na angkop sa mga pangangailangan ng kasalukuyan. Kailangang patuloy nating suriin at pagbutihin ang ating kurikulum at mga pamamaraan sa pagtuturo upang matiyak na tunay na natututo ang bawat bata,” she said.

Legarda, who previously chaired the Senate Committees on Basic Education and Higher, Technical and Vocational Education, also served as co-chairperson of EDCOM II and currently serves as one of its commissioners.

She said the new law marks a step toward an education system in which curriculum decisions are guided by research, classroom realities, and the voices of teachers and learners.

“Ang edukasyon ay dapat maging sandigan ng pag-asa. Sa batas na ito, mas pinapabuti natin ang sistema ng pagtuturo upang ang bawat silid-aralan ay maging lugar ng tunay na pagkatuto at paghubog sa kakayahan ng ating kabataan at maihanda sila sa kolehiyo, trabaho, at buhay,” Legarda said.