This is the question that has been frequently asked by most Filipinos from all walks of life since the implementation of K-12 Curriculum in June 2011. Almost everybody has a ready answer for this question and oftentimes the answer is negative. Some say that nothing has improved since its implementation. Others say that nothing has changed except for the additional two years in high school. Many have even prophesied that K-12 Curriculum will not improve the quality of Philippine education, because, like corruption, the low quality of Philippine education has been a perennial problem since time immemorial. No wonder, the K-12 curriculum has been receiving lukewarm support.  It is undeniable that there seems to be problems arising as the DepED implement the program such as lack of government budget, classrooms and school supplies as well as the teachers, but the government has promised and has been making efforts to solve these problems.

Though the government will face many problems in the long run of the implementation of the program, there is really a need to implement it because the enhancement of the quality of our education is very urgent and critical. The implementation of the K- 12 education plan in the Philippine Basic Education Curriculum is the key to our nation’s development.

Here are some of the good reasons not to disagree with K- 12 education plan in the Philippines according to Isagani Cruz (2010) in one of his columns in a local newspaper:

If K- 12 will be implemented, students will be able to get sufficient instructional time to do subject- related tasks which makes them more prepared and well- trained on that subject area. On the other hand, if we remain on the old system, Filipino students would continually get low achievement scores. For instance, international test results revealed that we often come at the tail end in the exams compared to other countries.

Another good reason why we should support K- 12 is that the graduates of this program will be more prepared to enter the laborforce. As we all noticed, high school graduates of the current curriculum are not yet employable for the reason that they are not yet competent and well – equipped with the skills needed in the workplaces. In addition, most high school graduates are not yet reaching the legal age of 18. With the new curriculum, senior high school students can choose a field that they are good at and that they are interested in. As a result, they will be equipped with the skills needed for a specific job even without a college degree. At the age of 18, the age when they graduate from high school, they will be employable and competitive already. Thus, adding up to the nation’s manpower.

Finally, with K- 12, Filipino graduates will be automatically recognized as professionals abroad because we are following the international education standard as practiced by all nations. There will be no need to study again and spend more money in order to qualify to their standards. With this, Filipino professionals who aspire to work abroad will not find a hard time in getting jobs in line with their chosen field and will be able to help their families more in the Philippines as well as the country’s economy with their remittances, property buying, and creation of businesses.

Filipinos must have a positive perspective towards the K-12 curriculum. They should focus on the long term effect of the implementation of K-12 rather than focus on its current inadequacies and flaws. Therefore, Filipinos must have the strong will in supporting K- 12 Educational Plan for the betterment of the Philippine Education system and economy. Remember, a change in the society must start with its government’s and people’s initiative. It must begin in the enhancement of the education system.

By: Ma. Lanie M. Gamit | Teacher I | Mariveles National High School – Poblacion | Mariveles, Bataan