Duterte approves DepEd plan to review K-12

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the plan of the Department of Education (DepEd) to review and update the K-12 curriculum to improve the country’s education system, according to presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo.

He said DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones discussed the results of the Programme for International Student Assessment, which showed that Filipino students ranked the lowest among 79 countries in reading comprehension, and second to the lowest in math and science.

She said the DepEd wanted to evaluate the results and implement measures to address gaps in the education system.

The agency also wants to implement the Sulong EduKalidad program that would improve the learning environment in the country, and to upgrade the skills of teachers.

—Leila B. Salaverria