FACT CHECK: No plans to merge Araling Panlipunan and MAPEH – DepEd

The Department of Education (DepEd) has officially denied reports suggesting that it plans to merge the subjects Araling Panlipunan and Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health (MAPEH). In a statement issued on August 8, DepEd clarified that such claims are based on an outdated report from April 2023 and do not reflect current educational policies. The misinformation circulated online had been widely shared among educators and the general public, prompting DepEd to issue a formal correction. According to the statement, the misleading claims originated from a graphic posted on August 7 by Carl Balita, an educator and media personality with over three million followers on Facebook. The graphic prominently displayed the official DepEd logo along with the message: “DepEd, planong pag-isahin na lang ang Araling Panlipunan at MAPEH.” This claim was later reposted by the Facebook page “Hugot pa Teacher,” which has more than half a million followers. Both posts presented the idea that DepEd intended to combine the two subjects into a single course named Sibika, Sining at Kultura, Kasaysayan, at Kagalingang Pangkatawan (SIKAP), aimed at students from kindergarten through grade 3. However, DepEd emphasized that the information was based on a 2023 proposal that is no longer valid. The department explained that the so-called “SIKAP” initiative was part of a broader discussion during the early stages of curriculum reform and was not an active policy. Instead, the current curriculum includes a distinct learning area known as “Makabansa” for grades 1 to 3 under the revised K to 10 curriculum. Starting in grade 4, Araling Panlipunan and MAPEH will remain as separate subjects, each with its own set of objectives and instructional goals. Araling Panlipunan, often referred to as Social Studies, focuses on developing students’ understanding of history, culture, and civic responsibilities. It aims to cultivate critical thinking, reflection, and patriotism among learners. Meanwhile, MAPEH integrates music, arts, physical education, and health to provide a holistic approach to student development, emphasizing cultural enrichment and personal wellness. In response to the misinformation, DepEd urged the public to exercise caution when consuming and sharing online content. The department stressed the importance of verifying the accuracy and relevance of information, particularly when it concerns educational policies that directly impact students and teachers. This call for critical thinking follows several instances where similar false claims have circulated, prompting DepEd to take proactive steps in addressing misinformation. Five hours after DepEd issued its clarification, the “Hugot pa Teacher” Facebook page updated its post to include a disclaimer noting that the original report was based on a 2023 draft proposal. Despite this modification, the original content remained accessible and continued to spread online. Similarly, Balita’s post has not been removed, despite DepEd’s efforts to correct the record. The incident highlights the challenges faced by educational authorities in combating misinformation, especially in the digital space where content can rapidly gain traction. DepEd has previously addressed other false claims related to its curriculum and programs, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and factual communication. As the debate around curriculum reforms continues, the need for accurate and timely information becomes increasingly vital to ensure informed public discourse.