Matatag in Basic Education: The Perspectives of Elementary Teachers in the Proposed Decongested Curriculum

The study focused on describing the observable phenomena of perceptions and personal insights of Elementary teachers. Moreover, the aim of the study was to determine the perceptions and insights encountered by Elementary teachers. The study utilized a qualitative research design, specifically phenomenological in design, wherein there were 14 participants who were elementary teachers at Maniki Central SPED Center. Data analysis was conducted through thematic coding of the interview responses, allowing for the extraction of key themes that represented the participants' perceptions and insights. It was found out that in terms of their perceptions, several themes were extracted based on the responses of the informants, such as efficiency and focus in teaching and learning, literacy and numeracy prioritization, inclusive education for all and adaptation to new curriculum. Insights revealed from the responses included reading and numeracy enhancement, instill values education to learners, crucial role of teachers in curriculum implementation, impact of decongested curriculum on educational quality and accessibility and adaptation of new curriculum.