A recent example of political rhetoric shaping education in the Philippines is the Department of Education’s MATATAG Agenda (2023). It sets four main objectives: making curriculum relevant, accelerating digital transformation, supporting teachers, and building safe, inclusive schools. On the surface, this policy presents a strong social vision—aligning education with 21st-century skills, equity, and resilience. However, while the rhetoric emphasizes transformative goals, the challenge lies in implementation. Issues such as limited infrastructure, uneven teacher training, and resource gaps raise questions about whether the policy’s substance will translate into practice. Thus, the MATATAG Agenda reflects both aspirational objectives and the realities of systemic barriers that must be addressed for its vision to succeed.