Several groups and organizations representing the private sector on Monday voiced their opposition to calls for the removal of the K to 12 (K-12) program, urging for its improved implementation instead. INQUIRER/GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
MANILA, Philippines — Several groups and organizations in the private sector on Monday opposed calls for the removal of the K to 12 (K-12) program, urging for its improved implementation instead.
In a joint statement signed by more than 35 groups and organizations—including former government officials, educational institutions, and members of the Church—the K-12 program was described as “essential” for equipping young Filipinos with the skills needed for employment, lifelong learning, and active citizenship.
They even tagged the proposals to remove the program as a “step backward” in improving the Filipino workforce.
READ: Marcos shares Estrada’s frustration over K-12 program shortfalls
“In light of ongoing proposals to remove the senior high school (SHS) program, we believe that doing so would be a step backward in our collective efforts to improve the Filipino workforce,” the statement read.
The groups also argued that the weak learning outcomes of the country’s education system manifest even before students reach SHS, citing a World Bank study that shows that more than 90 percent of Filipino students at age 10 (grade 4) cannot read a simple sentence.
“Therefore, Senior High School is not the source of our weak outcomes. As a matter of fact, it is even more needed to remediate our students and better prepare them for work or further studies,” they said.
According to the groups, the government should instead focus on strengthening the implementation of the program by “addressing foundational core skills and aligning education outcomes with the needs of the economy.”
They also called on the government to continue building on current reforms, including the pilot rollout of the enhanced Senior High School curriculum, as well as to work in partnership with private education.
“The K to 12 program, besides strengthening core skills, is designed to bridge the school-to-work gap and give students practical, preparatory and employable skills,” the statement read.
“When properly implemented, it equips learners with the competencies needed to succeed in postsecondary education, enter the workforce, or start their own enterprises,” it added.
The groups said such a program is “critical” in an economy like the Philippines’ that “continues to evolve,” and the demand for skilled workers keeps growing.
The groups then pointed out that they have continuously observed learning gaps and inadequate immersion opportunities, which cause misalignments between SHS and industry standards.
“These challenges must be addressed urgently— starting from the early grades and continuing through to senior high school—through reforms that improve teacher quality, curriculum relevance, student support systems, and meaningful private sector engagement,” they said.
K-12 levels playing field for private, public schools
Meanwhile, in a separate statement, the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC) expressed support for the continued implementation and improvement of the K-12 program.
According to PEAC, while it acknowledges the frustrations over the program, it likewise urged policymakers to instead “commit to meaningful reforms and work together to address execution gaps.”
“We hear the discontent—they are real and valid,” said PEAC Executive Director Doris Ferrer.
“But the answer is not to dismantle a policy designed to provide equal opportunities to Filipino learners. The solution is to implement it effectively and efficiently,” she added.
She then reminded that the main intent of K-12 was to level the playing field between private and public school students, as only students from private schools had access to more comprehensive programs before the program.
“K to 12 is fundamentally a pro-poor policy. To undo it now would be to reverse a critical step toward equity in our education system,” Ferrer said.
“We must align our learners with global standards if we want them to thrive locally and internationally, amid a fast-changing, competitive world,” she added.
Furthermore, she warned that repealing K to 12 would displace thousands of trained SHS teachers and put to waste years of investments in infrastructure and human capital./coa