MUSIC PROGRAM FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2025-2026

Music education in the Division of Davao City is a core strand of MAPEH that nurtures musical literacy, creative expression, and cultural citizenship among learners. It aligns with the MATATAG Curriculum’s sharpened focus on essential competencies, reduced overload, and clearer progression, where MAPEH is computed as two components—(1) Music & Arts, and (2) Physical Education & Health—ensuring adequate time and emphasis for musical knowledge, skills, and values. Through performance, listening, creation, and reflection, the program develops 21st-century skills (communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking) while strengthening appreciation of Philippine and local Davao heritage. 

The program is grounded in the national policy framework established by the Enhanced Basic Education Act (RA 10533) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, which mandate a learner-centered, context-responsive curriculum. This provides the foundation for contextualization and localization of music learning—linking classroom experiences with local traditions, languages, and community practices across Davao City’s diverse cultural landscape. 

Curricular design follows DepEd’s Music & Arts learning standards and spiral progression from key stages to ensure coherent development of concepts and skills (e.g., rhythm, melody, timbre, form; music creation and performance; critical response). These standards emphasize performance-based learning and authentic tasks that culminate in exhibits, recitals, and portfolios—modalities explicitly supported in the MATATAG Curriculum Guides for Music & Arts (Grades 4 and 7, with phase-in to other grades). 

Assessment practices in the Music Program adhere to DepEd Order No. 8, s. 2015 (Policy Guidelines on Classroom Assessment), balancing formative and summative measures to track mastery and guide instruction. Performance tasks (e.g., solo/ensemble performance, composition/arranging, listening analyses) are assessed against clear criteria and standards, with results used to differentiate instruction and provide feedback to learners and parents. 

To broaden access, identify talents, and sustain learner motivation, the program leverages DepEd’s co-curricular platforms and special programs. Schools may implement or coordinate with the Special Program in the Arts (SPA) for enriched music pathways, supported by DepEd Orders on SPA implementation and support funds. Division participation in the National Festival of Talents (NFOT) and its Sining Tanghalan components further provides authentic performance arenas and expert feedback cycles that reinforce classroom learning. 

Teacher capability is critical to program quality. Guided by the curriculum’s outcomes and assessment policies, the Division prioritizes professional development on MATATAG Music standards, contextualization, inclusive and culturally responsive pedagogy, and authentic assessment (rubrics, portfolios, performance juries). Schools are encouraged to build partnerships with LGUs, HEIs, cultural groups, and local artists to enrich learning resources and community engagements, consistent with DepEd’s thrust to strengthen external partnerships for learner development. 

Finally, the program recognizes, celebrates, and rewards excellence and sustained participation in the arts in accordance with DepEd’s awards and recognition policies. This fosters a culture where musical growth is visible, valued, and shared across classrooms, schools, and the wider Davao community.

In sum, the Division of Davao City’s MAPEH Music Program is a coherent, standards-based, performance-rich, and culturally grounded pathway from foundational musical skills to advanced artistic expression. It operationalizes national policy into local practice—through curriculum, assessment, co-curricular platforms, teacher development, and partnerships—so that every learner can create, perform, and respond to music meaningfully and responsibly.