The document traces the historical development of curriculum in the Philippines from pre-Spanish times to the present. It discusses how curriculum evolved under different periods of influence - starting with no formal schooling during the pre-Hispanic era, the introduction of religion-focused curriculum during Spanish colonization, the inclusion of English and American traditions during American rule, the expansion of education and use of Filipino as the medium of instruction in the Commonwealth period, the emphasis on vocational education and Japanese language under Japanese occupation, and the current implementation of the K-12 program with its academic, vocational, sports and arts tracks.

1. Historical Background of
Curriculum in the PHILIPPINES

2. “Development of
Education in the
Philippines from
Pre-Spanish to
Present Times”

3. PRE-HISPANIC
(Pre-Spanish Period) Education
During the Pre-Hispanic
Period, there was no
established formal schooling
in the country.
There was no formal
preparation from teachers.
The mothers and fathers and
tribal leaders served as
teachers at home and in the
community.

4. SPANISH PERIOD
During the Spanish period and by virtue of
educational decree of 1863 free public school
system was established.
There was one school for boys and another
school for girls in every municipality.
The Spanish missionaries served as teachers.
The same Decree provided for a normal school
run by the Jesuits to educate male teachers in
Manila. So, it was the Spaniards who started
training teachers in normal schools.
The curriculum created focused on their
version of 3R’s: Reading, Writing and Religion.
The main reading materials were all religion-
based because the schools are managed by
the convents and religious organization.

5. AMERICAN PERIOD
During the American regime, American soldier
served as the first teachers.
In 1901, the Philippines Commission enacted into
law Act 74 which created the Department of
Public Instruction, laid the foundations of the
Public School system and offered free primary
education for Filipinos.
The Philippine Commission authorized the
Secretary of Public Instruction to bring to the
Philippines 600 teachers from USA due to the
shortage of teachers. They were the Thomasites.
The Curriculum was based on American
Traditions and hierarchy.
English became the major of instruction.

6. COMMONWEALTH PERIOD
 The Commonwealth curriculum also known as the
Period of expansion and reform in the Philippine
Curriculum.
 The Office of Education expands primary school
teacher training courses from secondary schools to
tertiary schools and organizes eight regional normal
schools.
 All educational institutions shall be under the
supervision of and subject to regulation by the State.
 Optional religious instruction shall be maintained in
the public schools as now authorized by law.
 Universities established by the State shall enjoy
academic freedom. The State shall create
scholarships in arts, science, and letters from
specially gifted citizens
 “Filipino” language was used as the medium of
instruction.

7. JAPANESE PERIOD
The Curriculum was changed because
they introduced Nihongo and they
abolish English as a medium of
instruction and as a subject.
 the school calendar became longer
and no summer vacation for both
students and teachers.
They promote vocational education
The six basic Principles in Japanese
education put importance to the
diffusion of elementary education and
to the promotion of vocational
education and inspire the people with
the spirit of love and labor.

8. PHILIPPINE BASIC
EDUCATION
The K-12 program has a so-
called “Phased Implementation”,
which started in S.YS 2011-
2012.
K-12 curriculum. These are the
grades from kindergarten (K)
and the 1st grade up to grade 12
(1-12).
The K-12 curriculum allows the
students to choose from different
tracks such as Academic track,
vocational track, sports, and
Arts.