CBCP official favors review of K to 12 program

MANILA, Philippines — An official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference Of The Philippines  (CBCP) has supported the proposal to review the K to 12 program of the Department of Education (DepEd).

San Jose Bishop Roberto Mallari, chair of the CBCP–Episcopal Commission On Catechesis And Catholic Education, said the review would allow for issues regarding the program to be discussed and improve them.

“Sana po ang purpose ng evaluation is to improve whatever is wanting at hindi ibahin na naman ang programa,” Mallari said in an interview over Radio Veritas.

(I hope the purpose of the evaluation is for improvement and not change the education program again.)

This came after House Speaker and Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano proposed the review on the effectiveness of the 12-year basic education scheme.

Cayetano earlier sought an increase in the education budget, mainly to improve the implementation of the K to 12 program.

The education department, meanwhile, said it is open for the proposed review.

“With an additional P650 million in the proposed 2020 budget specifically for the improvement of the 12-year basic education program, DepEd commits to coordinate and collaborate with the members of the Congress in strategizing effective implementation of the Program in adherence to Republic Act No. 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 for the benefit of the learners,” DepEd said.

“Likewise, DepEd hopes the outcome of the review will spur renewed commitment and initiatives among lawmakers, advocates, and other stakeholders in aid of realizing the K to 12 program’s overall goal – hone holistically developed Filipino learners with 21st-century skills,” it added /kga