House Committee Approves Amendment to Replace K to 12 Program
In a recent development, the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture, led by Pasig lone district Representative Roman Romulo, has approved a proposed amendment to replace the existing K to 12 program. Introduced by late former president Benigno Aquino III, the K to 12 program added two years to basic education, aiming to prepare students for global competitiveness and make them ready for college or employment. However, critics argue that these objectives have not been fully achieved.
The approved unnumbered substitute bill seeks to amend Republic Act (RA) No.10533, or the law that enhanced the Philippine basic education system. The bill, known as “K+10+2,” was penned by House Deputy Speaker and former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. It aims to change the basic education structure by replacing the current K to 12 program with a K+10+2 program. Under this new program, compulsory Kindergarten and 10 years of basic education will be provided. For those wishing to pursue professional degree studies, such as accounting, engineering, law, or medicine, an additional two years of post-secondary pre-university education will be required.
This means that Grades 11 and 12 will only be necessary for students who want to further expand their education. This change in the education structure aims to enhance the chances of students succeeding in college or university and obtaining professional licensure.
Another significant aspect of the proposed K+10+2 scheme is that it provides an early transition option for students to enter the Technical-Vocational Livelihood (TVL) tracks under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Approximately 30 to 60 percent of the over 3.8 million enrolled Senior High School (SHS) students are currently pursuing TVL tracks.
During the committee hearing held on Wednesday, concerns were raised about the potential displacement of SHS instructors and the overall consequences of changing the basic education structure. Rep. Romulo assured that the bill will undergo further refinement to strengthen its provisions.
The approval of this proposed amendment marks the first major change to the basic education structure since 2013. It now awaits further deliberation and approval from the House of Representatives and Senate before becoming law.
