THE DEPARTMENT of Education has introduced flexible guidelines for the implementation of the MATATAG Curriculum to address the challenges in the education sector faced by students and teachers.

According to DepEd, it is outlined in DepEd Order No. 012, s. 2024, which allows schools to adapt class schedules based on their specific needs and capacities, ensuring smoother delivery of education despite constraints in staffing and facilities.

The new provisions offer three options for adjusting instructional time, giving schools the ability to tailor their approach while maintaining core learning standards.

The Option A states that all learning areas will be given 45 minutes a day for five days, and the Homeroom Guidance Program for 45 minutes once a week.

DepEd provides Option B, where learning areas may be given uniform time allotments of 50, 55, or 60 minutes per learning area. English, Mathematics, Science, and Good Manners and Right Conduct/Values Education must be taught five times a week.

Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan/Technology and Livelihood Education, Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health, Araling Panlipunan and Filipino for four times a week, and Homeroom Guidance Program once a week.

Meanwhile, for Option C, in circumstances where any of the given options is not applicable, schools may propose other combinations, provided that the learning contact time is at least five hours and 30 minutes a day.

DepEd said that the proposed combination shall be subject to the approval of the School Division Superintendent or authorized representative.

“Schools division offices shall also ensure that technical assistance is provided to schools in the preparation of class programs, and schools shall ensure fair and equitable distribution of teaching loads while protecting the welfare of teachers,” it added.