The strong political will of the present administration make way for the full blast implementation of the K-12 Basic Education Program in the Philippines. This action is realized through the tied efforts of the Department of Education and the administration of Pres. Benigno Simeon Aquino III.

          In 2011, the Republic of the Philippines began a major overhaul of the K-12 education in the Philippines. Prior to 2011, education in the Philippines had not been compulsory and had only been offered for ten years as compared to thetwelve years for most other developed countries.

          TheDepartment of Educationin the Philippines began to implement the new K-12 system of education, requiring that all children attend school and including a new academic curriculum. This implementation will be phased over several years as Filipino children begin attending school on a mandatory basis.

         

          The implementation of this educational system is anchored on the vision and mission of the educational agency. The phasing of the new educational program began with the implementation of a universal kindergarten and the enactment of the new basic law of education. The next step was to phase in first through fourth grade and then seventh through tenth grade and to begin modeling the Senior High School.

          The final phase of the new K-12 education in the Philippines is to completely implement the Senior High School grades eleven and twelve. One of the primary improvements in K-12 education in the Philippines is the new academic curriculum. The curriculum focuses on various areas depending on the tasks that a learner can do. When studying the comparison of education in different countries, it is clear that some countries have figured it out and their students are benefiting on a global scale; because, K-12 aims to develop learners who are globally competitive and global professionals.

         
          As the learners finish the whole basic education program which is composed of 12 years, they can also be considered professionals inside and outside the country, for they possess the qualities, abilities, skills values and potentials of a true educated people.

          If we are not to do it now, when will it be? Despite being a member of the third world country, Filipinos are known for their remarkable services and competence around the world. K-12 program will enhance further the skills they have. If not today, there is no perfect timing for this.

By: Joemarie E. Mendoza | Teacher I | Duale Elementary School | Limay, Bataan