EDUCATION Secretary Sonny Angara welcomed the enactment of a law that would allow the Department of Education (DepEd) to refine teaching strategies in schools.
Republic Act 12322, also known as An Act Allowing the Department of Education the Flexibility to Determine the Pedagogical Approaches to be Implemented in the Basic Education Curriculum, which amends Republic Act 10533, otherwise known as An Act Enhancing the Philippine Basic Education System by Strengthening Its Curriculum and Increasing the Number of Years for Basic Education, Appropriating Funds Therefore and for Other Purposes, lapsed into law on Aug. 2.
He noted that while DepEd has always held administrative authority over the national curriculum, the broader wording of the new law will provide opportunities for new pedagogical approaches or strategies in teaching and learning.
“We appreciate the continuous support of President Bongbong Marcos and Congress in strengthening our education framework. The updated provision broadly provides policy flexibility, allowing us to maintain instructional approaches that are grounded in classroom evidence and field experience,” Angara said in a statement on Friday.
House of Representatives Basic Education Committee chairman and Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo said the law would advance a more responsive, effective, and learner-centered basic education system that provides our learners the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Under RA 10533, which institutionalized the country’s K to 12 basic education program, concepts in subjects like Science and Mathematics were designed to be revisited across grade levels with increasing complexity.
The law directly addresses long-standing structural challenges identified during the Second Congressional Commission on Education’s (Edcom 2) nationwide consultations with educators.
Angara said the legislation will remove the phrase “spiral progression” in the Basic Education Act of 2013.
By removing the requirement for spiral progression, the new law allows Science and Mathematics teachers to adopt mastery-based learning or alternative methods, ensuring learners thoroughly understand foundational concepts before advancing.
DepEd said that any adjustments to instructional delivery remain subject to thorough review, pedagogical evidence, and practical considerations, including textbook supply and teacher training.
“This update is about maintaining the flexibility our curriculum experts and field officers need to address learning gaps. Our focus remains on stability in our schools and ensuring our teaching strategies directly improve learner outcomes,” Angara said.
The law mandates a systematic curriculum review at least once every five years, while all other core curriculum standards under RA 10533 remain intact.
DepEd is currently drafting the corresponding implementing rules and regulations for the measure.
RED MENDOZA
