With the introduction of the K-12 education plan in the country, critical enhancement of the basic education program takes place. Many critics argued the readiness of the system to implement it, but the government pushed the massive change and it is now in effect to improve the quality of instruction and learning that the students receive.

For one, there is more instructional time to do subject-related tasks for students. This allows more training and mastery of a particular subject area. The old system produces low achievement scores, prominent in international test results where the country often comes at the tail end of the list compared to neighboring countries.

As the students get sufficient time studying, they will graduate more competent and skilled, which leads to better opportunities and stronger chances of entering the labor force, with or without a college degree. The graduates of the old curriculum are not employable, and most high school graduates have not reached 18 years old yet. But with the K-12 system, students are more competent and are equipped with skills to perform jobs of their interest after school and become an integral part of the labor force of the country.

In the same manner, international recognition will be positively affected. The K-12 graduates are automatically recognized as professionals, with the country’s system parallel to the international education standard practiced by all nations. This is good news for those seeking employment abroad and as more professionals land jobs in foreign countries, remittances to the country increases, which mean better things for the economy.

Filipinos have always played a competitive role in international relations and the current education plan further bolsters this stand. The K-12 curriculum has many advantages, and while challenges are present, the country continues to soldier on in the service of the students who will be the future of the nation.

By: Imelda R. Villanueva | Teacher II | Saysain High School | Bagac, Bataan