Republic of the Philippines

Samar State University

College of Graduate Studies
Catbalogan City

Course Code: EE 513

Course Descriptive Title: Teaching Strategies in the Mother Tongue and Pre-School
Academic Term and School Year: Summer, 2019-2020
Professor: Antonio F. Caveiro, Ph.D.
Submitted by: Mustacisa, Izzabella T.
REACTION PAPER

Republic Act No. 10157 (Kindergarten Law)

On January 20, 2012, Republic Act 10157 also known as Kindergarten Education Act, was
approved. This act is in relation with the Millennium Development Goals on achieving Education
for All (FEE) by the year 2015. Wherein the policy provide an equal opportunities for all children
to avail of accessible mandatory and compulsory kindergarten education that effectively
promotes the physical, social, intellectual, emotional and skills stimulation and values formation
to sufficiently prepare them for formal elementary schooling.
It is prerequisite then, for the children that they will pass through kindergarten, the first stage of
elementary education system before going to Grade 1. It is also stated in this act that the
Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MAT-MEL) will be implemented as the medium of
instruction to kindergarten pupils. After the implementation of RA. No. 10157, kindergarten shifts
from being an option to being a prerequisite for the children’s education before going to Grade
1. And as we all know, not everyone has the privilege, capability, time and financial stability in
acquiring this formative stage in education. So with or without passing through kindergarten,
children who reached the age for formal schooling are accepted to enroll in Grade 1.
While there is no doubt that education in the early years is crucial, providing public education to
young children is only the first step. Quality in early childhood education is a must, the RA No.
10157, Kindergarten Education Act, is a one good feat in bridging the gap of literacy and
economic stability of our country. Even though it is just one small step and a long way to go
before we see the effectiveness of this at least there has been a move forward towards a better
future. Because of this act, children will have equal rights in education. Children from different
family status will receive equal learning and develop skills that would help them get equipped
and ready for the next level of learning. Kindergarten is a vital part in the pupil’s development
and learning that is why it is only right that the government made a step and reconsideration
regarding to this matter because before, kindergarten was not considered as an essential part of
the child’s learning because the government did not emphasize the big role it holds towards the
child’s foundation of learning.
In order to achieve a strong foundation of the pupil’s learning, teachers or instructors should be
equipped of skills and knowledge to meet and provide the child’s needs and wants. The
teachers may attend trainings, seminars or programs to develop and improve their prior skills
and knowledge to come up with innovative and technologically advanced ideas in teaching to
attain a high standard of learning outcomes. With the right approach such as MAT-MEL,
teaching strategies, and appropriate learning tools children shall have a meaningful and
effective learning. This would help them in their journey as they progress to the next ladder of
their formal elementary education. Most importantly should master the basic skills of reading,
writing, and computing for this will be their groundwork when they forward to a more complex
level of education.
As a teacher who is exposed to the teaching environment, I personally experienced the effect of
teaching many, but not all, elementary level students with poor foundation of learning
particularly in reading and computing. But because of the action made by the government, I can
say that it will have a great impact, whether it is bad or good, to the parents, teachers, pupils
and the society. If we all work and help each other for our child’s future and for the public, then
there would a possibility that its result will benefit each and every one of us in the community.
 Republic of the Philippines
Samar State University
College of Graduate Studies
Catbalogan City

Course Code: EE 513

Course Descriptive Title: Teaching Strategies in the Mother Tongue and Pre-School
Academic Term and School Year: Summer, 2019-2020
Professor: Antonio F. Caveiro, Ph.D.
Submitted by: Mustacisa, Izzabella T.
REACTION PAPER