In a recent meeting with the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) at the University of the Philippines Bonifacio Global City on February 22, 2024, the Department of Education (DepEd) has pledged to deliver 80 percent of textbooks for Grades 1, 4, and 7 by July 2024.
Director Ariz Cawilan of the DepEd Bureau of Learning Resources outlined the department’s schedule, indicating that successful textbook bidders would be awarded by March 2024, with a Notice to Proceed issued by April, subsequently kicking off the printing process.
This announcement comes in response to the critical findings of EDCOM 2’s “Miseducation: The Failed System of Philippine Education” report, which highlighted significant gaps in textbook procurement since the implementation of the K to 12 curriculum in 2012.
According to the report, only textbooks for Grades 5 and 6 have been successfully procured, with a total of 27 textbooks acquired for Grades 1 to 10 over the past decade.
Amid concerns regarding the ambitious timeline for printing and delivering eight million books within three months, DepEd’s commitment seeks to address the longstanding issue of textbook shortages.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian questioned the feasibility of completing the printing within such a short timeframe, given the historical context where printing could take up to a year.
In parallel, the Department’s learning recovery program, Catch-up Fridays, aimed at improving students’ reading skills and comprehension, has faced scrutiny.
EDCOM 2, through Executive Director Dr. Karol Mark Yee, criticized the initiative for its lack of structure and effective implementation, noting that over 60% of Grade 1 and 2 students in several regions are not reading at the appropriate level.
The commission questioned whether differentiated instruction—a tailored approach to meet the diverse needs of students—was being effectively utilized in the program.
DepEd Undersecretary Gina Gonong responded by stating that teachers nationwide had been trained as part of the National Reading Program to address varying levels of student needs.
However, EDCOM 2’s observations suggest a discrepancy between policy and practice, with differentiated instruction not being explicitly mandated or systematically implemented.
As the DepEd strives to overcome challenges in textbook procurement and learning recovery, the effectiveness of its strategies and the implementation of its programs remain pivotal in addressing the educational system’s shortcomings and advancing the quality of education for Filipino students. – PhilippinesToday.ph