Arroyo pushes for ‘K+10+2’ to replace K-12 education program

Arroyo pushes for ‘K+10+2’ to replace K-12 education program

Senior Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has introduced a new basic education program called "K+10+2" to replace the current K-12 curriculum, which she claims has not produced prepared graduates for employment.

"Grades 11 and 12 were added to the country’s basic education program on the assumption that with the 2 additional years, senior high school graduates should be able to immediately get a job, or put up their own business should they choose not to pursue college," Arroyo explained.

"Unfortunately, the reality of the market seems to be that the private sector continues to prefer hiring college or university graduates over those who finish the K-12 program."  she said.

According to House Bill No. 7893, the proposed program will include kindergarten and ten years of basic education but will also allow students to pursue two more years of post-secondary or pre-university education, enabling them to better prepare for professional degree studies.

“In a country like the Philippines where the poverty incidence is 18%, there should be an option for the young to graduate from basic education soonest, after four years of high school, so that they can help their parents in their farms or micro-businesses,”  said Arroyo in the explanatory note.

Arroyo said that to increase their chances of success in college or university, students can undertake a two-year post-secondary or pre-university program after completing high school.

The full title of HB No.7893 is  "An Act amending Republic Act (RA) No.10533, entitled 'An Act enhancing the Philippine basic education system by strengthening its curriculum and increasing the number of years for basic education, appropriating funds therefor and for other purposes.'"

If and when this proposal becomes a law, Section 4 of R.A. No.10533 or the K-12 law will be revised as: "The enhanced basic education program encompasses at least one (1) year of kindergarten education, six (6) years of elementary education, and four (4) years of secondary education, in that sequence. Provided that, there shall be an additional two (2) years of post-secondary, pre-university education as preparation for professional degree studies."

The proposal has already gained support from some education experts and lawmakers, who believe that it could help improve the quality of education in the country. However, some critics have raised concerns about the potential costs of implementing a new curriculum, as well as the impact on teachers and students.