Press Release - Crucial data gaps hinder needed interventions in educ reforms--Sen Nancy

Senator Nancy Binay voiced optimism that the Education Department's ongoing reforms under the MATATAG Agenda are headed in the right direction.

However, according to Binay, the lack of consolidated data in assessing learners' competencies and foundational skills undermine the very foundation of the National Learning Recovery Program (NLRP) initiated by the Department of Education.

Binay said she is confident that DepEd Sec. Sonny Angara will closely look into fresh concerns relative to the implementation of the NLRP particularly critical data that reflect the true state of education in the Philippines.

"Actually, some of the most concerning issues on the ground are the limited tools given to teachers when it comes to assessment initiatives. Meron dissonance in data. We are aware that there are troubling gaps in essential learning competencies, particularly in the areas of mathematics and reading, but the data which DepEd presently has do not reflect the true granular picture of the competencies and skills of our learners. Bulag pa rin tayo kung sino ang may kailangan ng tulong at intervention, at kung saan sila may kakulangan," Binay said.

Amid the ongoing educational reforms, Binay noted that the importance of accurate and comprehensive data cannot be overstated.

"The absence of critical data is deeply concerning. DepEd needs to truly grasp the gravity of the problems both in the macro and micro aspects. I am happy that Sec. Sonny (Angara) is open to developing a feedback evaluation mechanism in the implementation of the MATATAG curriculum, and we are glad that the calibrations and fine-tunings being put into motion are in the right direction. Kung wala tayong maayos na datos, bulag tayo sa mga nangyayari. There is a risk that DepEd may steer its policies in a direction that does not align with the realities on the ground. Dahil hindi updated ang datos, baka mas lalo pang lumala ang mga problema na may angkop na solusyon na," she pointed out.

The MATATAG Agenda, launched in 2023, aims to prioritize the development of foundational skills of students in literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional learning.

Binay expressed her concern over the lack of essential data