By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Department of Education (DepEd) has moved to stop a recycled social media claim that Araling Panlipunan and MAPEH are being merged, saying the posts are reviving a years-old curriculum discussion that does not reflect current education policy.
DepEd on Sunday described the circulating posts as fake news, stressing that there is no current policy merging Araling Panlipunan with Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health, or MAPEH, into a single subject.
The department said the posts were based on an April 2023 discussion involving a proposal to combine the two learning areas under the name SIKAP.
That discussion, however, is outdated and should not be mistaken for an existing or forthcoming curriculum policy, DepEd said.
Under the revised K to 10 MATATAG curriculum, DepEd explained, Makabansa is a separate foundational learning area for Key Stage 1, or Grades 1 to 3.
It is not a merger of Araling Panlipunan and MAPEH.
Instead, Makabansa follows a holistic and transdisciplinary approach designed to develop young pupils’ self-awareness, cultural appreciation and understanding of their role in the community and society.
Separate subjects from Grade 4
DepEd emphasized that the distinction becomes clear beginning in Grade 4, when Social Studies and MAPEH continue to be taught as separate learning areas.
The clarification came after social media posts circulated claims suggesting that the department was preparing to combine the subjects under a new curriculum arrangement.
DepEd warned that sharing old documents or discussions without their original context can create false impressions about current government policy.
The department urged the public to exercise greater care before reposting education-related claims, particularly those involving curriculum changes that could affect millions of students, teachers and parents.
“Practice critical thinking, check context and verify release dates before sharing content online,” DepEd said.
The department’s clarification effectively draws a line between a proposal discussed in 2023 and the curriculum currently being implemented, saying the two should not be treated as the same.
For parents and teachers confused by the viral posts, DepEd’s message is straightforward: Araling Panlipunan and MAPEH have not been merged under the current MATATAG curriculum.
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