President Marcos OKs DepEd’s basic education plan, other measures

MANILA, Philippines — The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board, chaired by President Marcos, approved on Thursday three priority projects, including a medium-term basic education plan and a higher project cost for a world-class cancer center of the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH).

Marcos approved the proposed Basic Education Development Plan (BEDP) 2030 and the MATATAG Agenda of the Department of Education (DepEd).

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte presented the BEDP 2030 and MATATAG Agenda of her agency during the NEDA board meeting at Malacañang.

According to the Presidential Communications Office, Marcos did not pose any objection to the proposals of the DepEd as he highlighted their importance to the education system. 

“The (NEDA) board approves the adoption of the Basic Education Development Plan 2023 and MATATAG Agenda as a national policy and plan for basic education,” Marcos said.

The MATATAG Agenda comprises four critical components: “MAking the curriculum relevant; TAking steps to accelerate the delivery of basic education facilities and services; TAking good care of learners by promoting learner well-being, inclusive education, and a positive learning environment; and Giving support to teachers to be able to teach better.   

DepEd’s BEDP 2030 and the MATATAG Agenda are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 4 on providing education, and are consistent with the AmBisyon Natin 20240 and the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, the NEDA board said.

Marcos earlier defended Duterte anew amid mounting calls for her to resign from the Cabinet as members of her family have strongly criticized his leadership.

“I don’t see the reason behind that,” Marcos said in an interview in Occidental Mindoro on April 23.

Marcos said Duterte would remain as education secretary, adding that Cabinet members would only be removed from their posts if they are inefficient or corrupt. 

The NEDA board also approved on Thursday the request for revision of the approved parameters, terms and conditions of the UP-PGH Cancer Center Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Project. 

“As a PPP, it seems to be good. I mean, it’s a major change from the original, but if the viability of the project maintains then I think, it will be, it’s a reasonable change to make as along as we can – it’s still, as I said, economically viable both for the government and for the private sector,” President Marcos said. 

Also approved during the meeting was the NEDA Board-Investment Coordination Committee Guidelines on the Review and Approval of National PPP Proposals.