Course: English 310

Topic: Removal of K-12 Curriculum

Group No: 1

In 2013, the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, otherwise known as the K-12 Law,

passed into legislation. It was an educational policy lobbied by President Benigno Aquino III. It
involved major reforms in Philippine Education that resulted to a twelve-year basic education
program. Thus, the Philippine educational system has undergone major changes in both
execution and duration. In a bid to improve the competency of Filipino students and follow the
international standards of education, schools and educational institutions have transitioned into
using the K to 12 programs in the Philippines, effectively adding three years to the former
curriculum with the establishment of a junior and senior high school level.
Furthermore, The K to 12 Program covers Kindergarten and 12 years of basic
education (six years of primary education, four years of Junior High School, and two years
of Senior High School [SHS]) to provide sufficient time for mastery of concepts and skills,
develop lifelong learners, and prepare graduates for tertiary education, middle-level skills
development, employment, and entrepreneurship.
K-12 Program on the other hand, aimed to help improve the quality of education in the
Philippines and produce better skilled students for maximum employability, K to 12 has also
been bombarded with criticisms, mainly on the financial ability of Filipinos to support their
children through three additional years of school. Under the current setup, two more years of
school means thousands more in expenses. And under the K to 12 Program, which requires
students to choose one of three SHS tracks in their curriculum, things are about to get pricier.
Since it was signed into law, there have been five petitions and counting from students,
teachers and parents claiming that the new K to 12 educational program will, among other issues,
aggravate the financial situation of Filipino families and force millions to drop out of school.
Unfortunately, this additional financial burden also forces thousands or even millions of students
to drop out of school due to additional educational expenses. As much as this educational
development can help students, Filipino parents and families are ill-equipped.