SACRIFICES will have to be made initially as the education sector implements the K to 12 program next year, but the benefits are seen to eventually outweigh the difficulties.
“An additional two years might be a tall order for the marginalized sectors of society, but if we continue to adopt band aid solutions, how long will they be marginalized? We taught them how to fish so we will stop giving them fish,” said Department of Education regional director Dr. Juliet Jeruta in a press conference at the University of San Jose-Recoletos last week.
Under K to 12 starting next year, students will have to pass Kindergarten, six years in grade school, four years in Junior High School and two years in Senior High School.
Dr. Chito Salazar, president of the Philippine Business for Education, said the K to 12 program is the biggest education reform in the country.
“The issue here is not whether or not we are ready. It is impossible to be perfect right away. We will never be 100-percent ready because it’s too big a change,” he said.
He said the K to 12 program is a long-term solution to poverty as it will equip the kids with the tools necessary to land a good job.
“This is a program that will help the marginalized in this country. If you want your kids to get good jobs, give them good, quality education,” he added.