Authors :
Kristine P. Diaz; Mary Lourd Angelie F. Galendez; Diovanne D. Lawas
Volume/Issue :
Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 3 - March
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/28n6t7x7
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/39e9yxc8
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26mar940
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
Curriculum reform implementation in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas presents unique challenges
that differ significantly from urban contexts. This study examined teachers’ perceptions of the MATATAG Curriculum in
Kitaotao II District, Bukidnon, Philippines, across five implementation domains: Curriculum Content and Alignment,
Teaching and Learning Delivery, Assessment and Evaluation, Teacher Support and Resources, and Impact on Students and
Teaching Practice. It further determined whether these perceptions significantly differed when respondents were grouped
according to age, years of teaching experience, and educational attainment. A descriptive-quantitative research design was
employed, involving 141 public elementary school teachers selected through simple random sampling. Data were gathered
using a researcher-modified, validated 5-point Likert-scale survey questionnaire, and analyzed using weighted mean and
one-way ANOVA at a 0.05 level of significance. Results revealed that teachers hold generally positive perceptions of the
MATATAG Curriculum, with all five domains rated as “Agree” (M = 3.82–4.06). Curriculum Content and Alignment,
Assessment and Evaluation, and Teaching and Learning Delivery received the highest ratings, while Teacher Support and
Resources obtained the lowest mean score, indicating persistent gaps in material provision and logistical readiness in remote
school settings. Inferential analysis showed that teaching experience was the strongest predictor of perceptual differences,
producing significant ANOVA results across all domains, while age demonstrated selective significance in two domains, and
educational attainment showed no significant effect in any domain. The study concludes that the MATATAG Curriculum
is conceptually sound and pedagogically acceptable; however, its long-term success is contingent on sustained institutional
support, adequate resource provision, and context-sensitive professional development programs tailored for teachers in
geographically isolated communities. Policymakers are encouraged to adopt differentiated implementation strategies that
account for the realities of mountain schools.
Keywords :
MATATAG Curriculum, Teacher Perceptions, Curriculum Implementation, Instructional Delivery, Teaching Experience, Reform Sustainability.
References :
- Aquino, M. (2024). Evaluation scale for MATATAG curriculum implementation. Zenodo. https://zenodo.org/records/10959702
- Bustamante, M. (2023). Science teachers’ professional development program in Agusan del Sur: Its effect on teacher competencies. American Journal of Education and Technology, 2(5), 14–22. https://doi.org/10.54536/ajet.v2i5.4411
- Crisol, L. G., & Alamillo, J. B. (2021). Issues and challenges in the implementation of curriculum reforms in Philippine basic education. Journal of Education and Human Development, 10(1), 20–30.
- Cordero, A., & Solar, R. (2023). Teachers’ adherence to the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (PPST) as basis for professional development. RSU Research Journal, 3(1), 55–72. https://ojs.rsu.edu.ph/index.php/rsurj/article/view/137
- Department of Education. (2024). MATATAG curriculum implementation guidelines. Department of Education Publishing.
- Llego, M. A. (2022). Challenges of teachers in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas in the Philippines. TeacherPH. https://www.teacherph.com
- Madrigal, D. J. (2021). The influence of teacher demographics on curriculum adaptation and pedagogical practices. International Journal of Education and Learning, 3(1), 12–22.
- Magallanes, T., Castillo, R., & Boholano, H. (2022). The Philippine teachers’ concerns on educational reform using the concern-based adoption model. Frontiers in Education, 7, 763991. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2022.763991
- Montebon, D. (2024). Teachers’ perception of the most essential learning competencies (MELCs) and its implementation. CMRU Research Journal, 17(2), 205–221. https://so05.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/cmruresearch/article/view/264463
- Orale, R. L., & Dulla, A. J. (2021). Curriculum alignment and teacher preparedness in implementing K to 12 reforms. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 20(8), 187–200.
- Palestina, R. J., Pangan, A. N., & Ancho, I. V. (2023). Curriculum implementation facilitating and hindering factors: The Philippines context. Indonesian Journal of Educational Research and Innovation, 7(1), 63–72. https://ejournal.upi.edu/index.php/ije/article/view/25340
- Paler, A., Navarro, J., & Sanchez, J. (2024). Paradigm shift in education: Teachers as MATATAG curriculum implementers. Scribd. https://www.scribd.com/document/868250849/Paradigm-Shift-in-Education-Teachers-as-MATATAG-Curriculum-Implementers
- Ramirez, J. (2022). Contextualization of curriculum in indigenous and rural schools in the Philippines. Journal of Education and Practice, 13(5), 44–52.
- Rivera, J. P., Gregorio, M., & Bañez, C. (2025). Revitalizing the Philippine education system: Facilitating access and participation to in-service training (INSET) and teacher professional development (TPD). Philippine Institute for Development Studies Discussion Paper Series 2025-01. https://www.pids.gov.ph/details/discussion-papers/revitalizing-the-philippine-education-system-facilitating-access-and-participation-to-in-service-training-inset-and-teacher-professional-development-tpd
Curriculum reform implementation in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas presents unique challenges
that differ significantly from urban contexts. This study examined teachers’ perceptions of the MATATAG Curriculum in
Kitaotao II District, Bukidnon, Philippines, across five implementation domains: Curriculum Content and Alignment,
Teaching and Learning Delivery, Assessment and Evaluation, Teacher Support and Resources, and Impact on Students and
Teaching Practice. It further determined whether these perceptions significantly differed when respondents were grouped
according to age, years of teaching experience, and educational attainment. A descriptive-quantitative research design was
employed, involving 141 public elementary school teachers selected through simple random sampling. Data were gathered
using a researcher-modified, validated 5-point Likert-scale survey questionnaire, and analyzed using weighted mean and
one-way ANOVA at a 0.05 level of significance. Results revealed that teachers hold generally positive perceptions of the
MATATAG Curriculum, with all five domains rated as “Agree” (M = 3.82–4.06). Curriculum Content and Alignment,
Assessment and Evaluation, and Teaching and Learning Delivery received the highest ratings, while Teacher Support and
Resources obtained the lowest mean score, indicating persistent gaps in material provision and logistical readiness in remote
school settings. Inferential analysis showed that teaching experience was the strongest predictor of perceptual differences,
producing significant ANOVA results across all domains, while age demonstrated selective significance in two domains, and
educational attainment showed no significant effect in any domain. The study concludes that the MATATAG Curriculum
is conceptually sound and pedagogically acceptable; however, its long-term success is contingent on sustained institutional
support, adequate resource provision, and context-sensitive professional development programs tailored for teachers in
geographically isolated communities. Policymakers are encouraged to adopt differentiated implementation strategies that
account for the realities of mountain schools.
Keywords :
MATATAG Curriculum, Teacher Perceptions, Curriculum Implementation, Instructional Delivery, Teaching Experience, Reform Sustainability.