The Philippines, being among the last few countries in Asia and in the world to adapt K-12 education program, is now set for full implementation of the program this school year 2017-2018. The entire country is noe facing a huge change in terms of educational setting and the big question is: “are we ready”?

               From the numerous doubts and fears, hesitation and resistance, the Philippines is now geared towards the first batch of K-12 graduates.

               The K-12 program in the Philippines was implemented pursuant to Republic Act 10533, or the Enhanced Basic Education Act or an Act Enhancing the Philippine Basic Education System by Strengthening its Curriculum and increasing the Number of the Years for Basic Education which was passed into law by the Aquino administration last May, 2013.

               The initial implementation is bombarded with question on how to effectively deliver the said program. Several factors, they say, may hinder the success of the K-12 Program, which includes the need for trainings of teachers, as well as the availability of teaching resources and school facilities.

               Most of the parents resist implementation due to additional two years in the basic education, believing that this could mean additional burden and expenses on their part. Some of them even find their way to the President’s palace through rallies and demonstrations, screaming out their sentiments about the modification of the educational system. But the president’s political will was not shaken and the revolution of Philippine Education find its way and took effect as early as June 2012.

               With the new educational system, every single Filipino should finish Basic Education before entering into College. The new Basic education consist of Kindergarden, six years elementary education, junior high school and senior high school. Teacher were trained and facilities and teaching resources were made available, at least, with most public schools in the country.

               Be definitely, with initial stage of implementation, there are loop holes. Some shortcomings lie on the inefficiency of some teachers, insufficient learning resources, lack of support from parents, fear of students and lapses in the curriculum.

               The stake are indeed high for the new educational program, for it may make or break the Filipino youth. Because at the end of the day, we shall all be responsible for the next generation. We all no choice but to continuously embrace the change, ready or not.

By: Ruben T. Gatdula Jr. | St. Peter of Verona Academy | Hermosa, Bataan