Rallies in Panay call for suspension of K to 12 program

ILOILO CITY—About 650 students, teachers and parents held protest actions in Iloilo, Capiz and Aklan calling for the suspension of the implementation of the K to 12 program.

In the capital town of Kalibo in Aklan province, about 400 protesters led by the provincial chapter of Anakbayan held a rally at the Crossing Banga-New Washington calling for the suspension of the program.

Jason Estrada, chair of Anakbayan in the province, described the K to 12 as an “added burden” to students and their parents, especially in the province where many were still recovering from Supertyphoon “Yolanda” which struck on Nov. 8, 2013.

“It’s adding insult to injury when the government has not even released its promised (Emergency Shelter Assistance) for those whose houses were destroyed or damaged,” Estrada said.

The protesters demanded the holding of “genuine” consultations and for additional budgetary support for education.

The program aims to enhance the country’s basic education program along international standards and provide better employment opportunities. It was started in 2011 with the implementation of universal kindergarten schooling.

The introduction of the senior high school curriculum in 2016 and 2017 is the final phase of the K to 12 implementation.

In Roxas City, in Capiz, about 200 protesters led by the Capiznon Alliance Against K to 12 held a rally at the Roxas City Plaza Bandstand.

Roban Ray, spokesperson of the alliance, said the K to 12 was a “good program” because of the “need to keep up with the fast-changing world.” But further research should be done first by the government, he said.

The K to 12 curriculum expands the 10-year basic education curriculum to 12 years by adding two years of senior high school to the four years of high school, which is now called junior high school. It also made enrollment in kindergarten compulsory.

The additional two years of the curriculum adds to the financial burden of parents and would cause job displacement for first and second year college professors, Ray said.

In a press statement, the alliance said 114,304 teachers were still needed and noted a classroom shortage of 209,539 last school year. The program, it said, would displace 56,771 college teachers and 22,838 nonteaching staff because of “zero” college enrollees on academic year 2016-17.

Fifty people led by Stop K to 12 Alliance, the women’s group Gabriela and Anakbayan held a picket at the Plazoletagay, a main intersection in Iloilo City.

“Sending my children in school is already very difficult. They want to add more years? This will only mean more expenses for us,” said Sheba Baba, a resident of Barangay (village) Punong in Lapuz District.

The protesters set up a makeshift signature campaign desk for those opposing the program.

“Its already difficult for parents to support their children up to four years in high school. (K to 12) is okay for those who can afford. But for the poor, many will be forced to quit schooling,” said one of the signatories.