THE DEPARTMENT of Education has rejected renewed social media claims that Araling Panlipunan and Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health (MAPEH) are being combined into a single subject, clarifying that the posts refer to an old curriculum proposal and not to current policy.

In a statement Sunday, DepEd said the circulating material is misleading and stressed that there is no existing policy that merges the two learning areas under the current K to 10 curriculum.

The department traced the claim to a curriculum discussion in April 2023 involving a proposed learning area called SIKAP, which envisioned combining Araling Panlipunan and MAPEH.

DepEd said that proposal should not be presented as an existing or upcoming curriculum requirement.

Under the MATATAG K to 10 curriculum, the department explained that Makabansa is a distinct foundational learning area for pupils in Key Stage 1, covering Grades 1 to 3.

DepEd emphasized that Makabansa should not be interpreted as a merger of Araling Panlipunan and MAPEH.

Instead, the learning area uses a holistic and transdisciplinary approach intended to help young learners develop a stronger sense of identity, appreciation of culture and understanding of their responsibilities within their community and society.

SEPARATE LEARNING AREAS FROM GRADE 4

The department further clarified that the curriculum structure changes beginning in Grade 4, with Social Studies and MAPEH taught as distinct learning areas.

The clarification followed the renewed circulation of social media posts claiming that DepEd was preparing to consolidate the subjects under a new curriculum setup.

DepEd cautioned the public against treating old presentations, proposals or documents as current government policy, particularly when they are reposted without dates or their original context.

The department urged parents, teachers and other social media users to verify information before sharing claims concerning curriculum reforms.

“Practice critical thinking, check context and verify release dates before sharing content online,” DepEd said.

With its latest clarification, DepEd sought to distinguish the 2023 SIKAP proposal from the curriculum now being implemented.

For parents and teachers who encountered the viral posts, the department’s position is clear: Araling Panlipunan and MAPEH remain separate learning areas under the current MATATAG curriculum.