In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent shortened academic year, the Department of Education (DepEd), through the Bureau of Curriculum Development-Curriculum Standards Development Division, has produced a list of the most essential learning competencies (MELCs). This was done in order to ensure that the grade level standards, along with the corresponding content and performance standards, set for each learning area are still attained.
In the process of identifying the MELCs, the ENDURANCE criterion was used as the sole determiner. Guided by the requirement that a learning competency (LC) be useful in lifelong learning, the group of specialists in charge of the MAPEH curriculum recognizes the role of the subject in providing the physical, health, and cultural literacies including artistic expression skills necessary in acquiring the knowledge, skills, and values to live an active life.
Further, the MELCs identified are those that work in close association with other competencies in other subjects, thus maintaining the curricular quality of integration.
DOWNLOAD: Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCS) for School Year 2022-2023
How to Use the MELCs
The MELCs serve as a reference to assist the teachers in identifying the most important learning competencies to be developed by the learners and what must be prioritized in this crisis situation. Further, MELCs are not meant to replace the existing curriculum guide.
MELCs with (*) are rephrased and deemed essential learning competencies in the achievement of content and performance standards. For example:
| Component | MAPEH CG | Rephrased |
|---|---|---|
| Music | G2-Q2 – Demonstrates the melodic contour with movement | Demonstrates melodic contour through: a. movement b. music writing (on paper or on air) c. visual imagery |
| Arts | G10-Q1 – Determine the role or function of artworks by evaluating their utilization and combination of art elements and principles | Explain the role or function of artworks by evaluating their utilization and combination of art elements and principles |
| Physical Education | G1-Q3 – Describes the difference between slow and fast, heavy and light, free and bound movements | Demonstrates the difference between slow and fast, heavy and light, free and bound movements |
| Health Education | G2-Q1 – Discusses the important functions of food | Discusses the important function of food and a balanced meal |
