The K-12 Program has been brought to attention since its first year of implementation. Critics say that its implementation could only worsen the issue on education in the country. Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, a known critic of the program, said that the country appears to be unprepared for K-12 due to inadequacy in resources, tools, classrooms, etc. (Reyes, 2015). Though some people cannot see its relevance, the K-12 program is still beneficial as it gives a better quality of education, provides job opportunities for high school graduates, and prepares the country for ASEAN Integration.
The K-12 program is still beneficial as it gives a better quality of education. In contrast with the old curriculum, the K-12 program offers a more focused and improved educational system in the country. With the compulsory and mandatory kindergarten education, children at the age of 5 will have time to slowly adjust to their formal education. Moreover, Department of Education (2012) argued that a better understanding of the basic concepts taught will be ensured through the use of mother tongue as the medium of instruction. In addition, with the additional 2 years in high school, students will be given more time to master competencies and skills through the specialized upper secondary education.
Furthermore, the K-12 program provides job opportunities for high school graduates. During their senior high school, students will be able to acquire skills that enable and prepare them for work after graduation. As a result, students may opt not to continue college and may already be eligible for work without earning a college diploma. Parents, who cannot afford college education for their children, are freed from the burden of spending for college just to make their children employable (Forbes, 2012). Graduates also can acquire Certificates of Competency (COCs) and National Certifications (NCs) which does not only allow them to have middle-level skills, but also offers them better opportunities to be gainfully employed inside or outside the country.
Finally, the K-12 program prepares the country for ASEAN Integration. An important pre-condition for the Philippines to integrate with the other ASEAN nations is the K-12 program. With its implementation, the Philippines is now at par with other ASEAN countries’ standard of education. As a result, to this, graduates of K-12 program will be perceived with increased competency and have better global.
Although difficulties and inadequacies may arise, K to 12 program benefits in the long run, are more significant for the country. K-12 is the key to the country’s national development. In achieving its success, cooperation, and support of all is necessary since it does not only improve the quality of education but also the lives of Filipinos.
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