For many years TLE is an exploratory subject in which different areas are offered to students every grading period without continuing it on the next school year.  At this point learners are not mastering the concept and skills needed, because of a short period of time intended for a course. Only few areas or courses are catered. Hands-on and applications are limited due to lack of materials and equipment needed, facility for activities is not the priority of the school since TLE is not a major subject, and most students are not interested because they are focused on the core subjects.

But the waiting is over. After a long year of being the shadow of MAKABAYAN, Technology and Livelihood Education subject is on the roll to winning the heart of all students.  Now that the Department of Education is implementing K to 12 BEC, it is the time to redeem itself and prove that it is worth to take. TLE is now the center of the new curriculum.  With this program, TLE broadened the scope. Lot of courses is tendered which means learners have options to choose. Grades 7 and 8 are years of exploring mini- courses on ICT, AFA, HE, and IA.  Grade 9 is the year in which learners will choose their path, which will be his career until finishing grade 12.  With this system, students can now focus on one area of specialization.

This new set up in TLE helps the learners to make their own road map through career assessment. It gives them trainings and hands-on activities.  It equips them to be well prepared citizens of our country.  It prepares them in a world full of competition. It equips them with knowledge and skills needed in the community and abroad. It also assures job even if they leave formal schooling at any given time. It develops responsibility and independency among high school students. Furthermore, it trains learners in the middle-levels skills that are needed for human and national development. Aside from that, students can respond effectively to the changing needs of the society, because of the training given to them and the long term of preparation.

This is also a relief for TLE teachers, because there is only one area that they need to focus which means less preparation for them and lots of time to impart knowledge and skills. Learners will also be lessened due to the system of CP-TLE, that means students have no chance of arguing on one another in who will use first the materials and equipment in a laboratory.  Funds and resources like tools, materials, equipment, devices, and facilities are provided by the school. However, not all courses are offered in a school. Courses to be offered must be based on the needs of the community.  Through the new curriculum, teachers are sent to different seminars and trainings whether for curriculum development or mastery of the content. Trainings on the progress of the skills also initiated. Assessments are also provided all over the nation.

With this new educational system in our country, our government is expecting citizens to earn a job that would give them decent living productive individuals. It is also expected through this program that nation’s population will not become part of the economic problems.

By: Mark P. Manimbo | T-III | Mariveles National Highschool Poblacion