Sec. Angara to consult on reversing classroom decoration ban

Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara announced on Monday, July 22, that he plans to consult with teachers and students to determine if lifting the ban on classroom decorations is necessary.

"May arguments na for and against diyan. Ako, maybe I will conduct an informal survey, and see the sentiments of the teachers and learners on this matter," said DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara.

(There are arguments for and against that. I may conduct an informal survey to see the sentiments of the teachers and learners on this matter.)

During Vice President Sara Duterte's tenure as DepEd chief, she ordered the removal of classroom decorations to ensure that students would not be distracted from their studies.

However, some elementary school teachers argue that the decorations used as visual aids help retain students' knowledge.

Angara also has no plans to develop and implement a new curriculum, as is often done by new DepEd secretaries.

"Gusto natin na magkaroon tayo ng curriculum stability tayo, that is why sabi nila kada secretary may bagong curriculum. Ako, wala akong balak na magbago ng curriculum we want to work on what is already there. So we will continue with the piloting of the MATATAG curriculum for Grades 1, 4, 7 this year, tapos sa susunod na taon Grades 2, 3 5 and 8, tuloy na ito," said Angara.

(We want to have curriculum stability. That's why they say every secretary brings a new curriculum. I have no plans to change the curriculum. We want to work on what is already there. So, we will continue piloting the MATATAG curriculum for Grades 1, 4, and 7 this year and next year for Grades 2, 3, 5, and 8. This will continue.)