Philippine International Convention Center (PICC)
29 May 2015
President Benigno S. Aquino III cited the importance of stepping up the education system in the country as he graced the “K to 12: Kayang-Kaya, Sama-Sama” event, which highlights the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, also known as the K to 12 Act.
Signifying the vital role of education in nation building, the K to 12 Program aims to provide the Filipino youth with the rightful knowledge and give them opportunities that will contribute to the development of the whole country.
In his speech, President Aquino talked on the endless possibilities once K to 12 is fully implemented. First, the new basic education system will broaden the curriculum in elementary and junior high school level. Second, students from senior high school will be given the chance to choose their passion that fit their skills such as the specialized tracks in the academe, technical and vocational education, as well as in the field of sports and the arts.
“Kaya naman ang panawagan po natin: Imbes na isiping pabigat ang karagdagang dalawang taon sa paaralan ng ating mga estudyante, ituring po natin itong pagkakataon upang higit nilang mapahusay ang sarili tungo sa pag-abot ng kanilang mga pangarap,” the President said.
Likewise, President Aquino remained firm on his stand that the country is ready to adapt the 12-year basic education system despite the concerns and protests circulating. He answered several issues surrounding the implementation of the K to 12 Program and one of these is the displacement of university and college professors. According to the President, because of the additional two years in the basic education, there will be no incoming college students for two years. He said the program will require 30,000 teachers for the senior high school as an additional work force.
He then called on to his ‘bosses’ to support the the K to 12 Program, saying this is the right moment to strengthen the education system in the Philippines that can compete with the international standards.
“Mga Boss, hindi na natin sasayangin ang ginintuang pagkakataong ito. Sama-sama nating isusulong ang sinimulan nating K to 12 Program at isang bansa nating iaangat ang antas ng edukasyon sa Pilipinas,” President Aquino stated.
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