More Groups Voice Support for the K to 12 Program

Bicol – As the full implementation of the K to 12 program in 2016 draws near, over 6,400 education stakeholders from different groups pledge their support for the program and the benefits it entails.

Department of Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC expressed his gratitude to those who continue to support and help make the K to 12 program effective, saying, “DepEd cannot do all of the reforms by ourselves. We thank our industry partners for making employment programs fit for our learners; our local government units for their constant promotion of the program; and for all of you who have expressed support for this major education reform.”

Parents, teachers, students and representatives from the business sector voiced their personal sentiments on the reform.

Tabaco National High School Teacher Salve Estrella said in her testimony, “Our presence here today is a strong testament of our support for this program. Together, we will find solutions for pressing issues. Together, we will taste the sweetness of our success.”

Grade 10 Legazpi City Science High School student Joseph Aristotle de Leon shared his vision for himself and the country and said, “As a student it has been my dream to be an engineer who innovates, and solves world problems. I believe and trust that the kto12 program is the potent instrument as I soar towards this dream.”

“Morally and pedagogically it (K to 12) is convincing. Learning takes time and K to 12 corrects the congested curriculum that we’ve had before,” Albay Province Governor Joey Salceda said.

He also explained a possible increase in the cohort survival rate of outgoing Elementary students to incoming High school students and said, “My analysis is, the 46% cohort survival from Elementary to High School will increase to 67%, because with this program, the goal is clear, and the program is promising.”

Legazpi City Mayor Noel E. Rosal also shared his insights on the program seeing it as not just an immediate solution for pressing issues but a long term investment. He said, “Naniniwala ako na armas ng Pilipino ang edukasyon para sa ikauunlad ng bayan. Kaya ipagpatuloy natin ang programang ito (K to 12) hindi lang para sa ikagaganda nito ngayon, kundi pati para sa mga susunod na henerasyon.”

SHS to reduce poverty in the country

“Ang K to 12 ay bahagi ng recipe para sa poverty reduction,” said Salceda. “Socially, I am convinced that the K to 12 program will give equal dignity for all. After SHS, our students will be employable and this equal opportunity for work shows a great sense of dignity in our society,” he added.

Congresswoman Leni Robredo also expressed her support for the K to 12 program, citing her personal experience as she said, “My daughter is currently in Grade 10 this year and will be part of the full implementation of K to 12 next year as she enters Grade 11. That’s why I see that the benefits outweigh these additional two years in high school.”

The K to 12 program gives the learners enough skills for work as shared by San Jose Pili National High School Teacher Glenda Tornilla, “I am always proud when I see my Grade 10 students, Roderick, Mike, Yvan, Fe, Chary, Joy and Jay, my students in computer hardware servicing. While they are studying, they are now able to help out in their household through their sidelines. Kaya na nila magkumpuni ng mga computer at dahil dito nakakatulong sila sa kanilang mga pamilya.”

“At the end of the day, ang hamon sa Albay at Camarines Sur ay ang kaisipang, ‘No learner should be left behind.’ Ang pangarap natin ay walang out of school youth sa buong probinsya ng Albay at Camarines Sur, at sa buong bansa,” Luistro added.

Source: www.deped.gov.ph