In order to sway public opinion, the K to 12 Basic Education Program will need the world’s most cunning publicists and crisis managers. The K-12 curriculum mandated an additional two years of Senior High School, which was introduced in the school year 2016-2017.

As it stands, K-12 is in the mud. “Aksaya sa panahon at pera” is how some parents describe it, with many repeatedly calling for its abolition. Even President Bongbong Marcos has acknowledged that K-12 is failing to make a real, positive impact on the lives of Filipino learners.

Or, instead of crafting a PR plan that will save their image, perhaps the government can actually address the real problems in education? Here’s a list of things that will provide perspective on the sorry situation.

1. The Philippine education system has long been in a crisis

The Senior High School program is a mess, but it’s naive to attribute the learning poverty of Filipinos to SHS alone. As proven by the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) results, students are behind even before they enter SHS.

The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) emphasized the need to reform the foundations of education. Lawmakers responded by passing the Early Childhood Care and Development System Act, as the early childhood stage is critical in shaping young individuals.

They better implement this law well, or else, this is all just sweet talk.

2. The Filipinos’ diploma bias

As shown by houses draped with tarpaulins featuring girls and boys in their togas, earning a diploma is a significant achievement for Filipino families. This has relegated SHS to the backseat when it comes to Pinoy parents’ approval. Parents often view SHS as a two-year delay in their kids earning college diplomas.

According to a 2021 paper of the Philippine Institute of Development Studies, only “a little over 20% of SHS graduates enter the labor force” while the rest go on to college. This, in effect, subdues one of the key selling points of K-12, which is to make “work-ready” SHS completers.

3. The industry is not ready. Neither are the kids.

[img src=”DepEd” url=”https://www.deped.gov.ph/”]

So, many still opt to go to college. But what happens to those who choose to pursue employment after SHS? Do they find success in landing jobs?

The answer is not really, as employers find their skills lacking. Meanwhile, some are ineligible for work because they are underage. They have yet to turn 18 by the time they finish SHS, exposing a K-12 design flaw.

Some cry out against discrimination by the private sector, while others argue that the government and industries need better alignment.

4. The welfare of teachers

[img src=”DepEd” url=”https://www.deped.gov.ph/”]

The suits can craft all the policies they want, but what matters more in education is whether teachers are able to perform their jobs effectively.

Given all the perceived deficiencies of the SHS program—such as its alignment with industry, relevance of the curriculum, and redundancy with college subjects—the onus falls on the teachers, as they need to teach anyway.

For all the BS they take, teachers should be treated like royalty. Their salary grade and workload, however, say otherwise.

5. A disdain for learning?

The Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, the law that paved the way for K-12, was enacted as a means to keep up with the rest of the world. Before that, we were the only remaining Asian country with a 10-year basic education system (six years in elementary, four years in high school).

Fast forward to today, and we have lawmakers pushing to abolish K-12. Perhaps because it’s the stance that appeals to the voting public nowadays, as many parents feel the economic strain of two more years of schooling.

But are we certain that abolishing, rather than improving, is the right approach?

This leads us to the next point…

6. The politics

Are we certain that the politicians we elected have the Filipino learners in mind when addressing the education crisis? Or are they just grandstanding?

Are we sure they are studying the matter carefully and that they are following the science? Or are they just charming us to position themselves for 2028?

7) The economy

The education crisis is a socio-economic problem. The greater the poverty, the more learning struggles students will face.

The pandemic (er, the poor leadership during the pandemic) threw our economy off and we’re still recovering to this day.

Data says inflation has been easing, yet you will never hear “Uy, ang mura na ng mga bilihin ngayon ah!” when you go to the market.

8. The institutions

Strong institutions breed a well-functioning society. Strong institutions, ones that are not subject to the whims of politics, can solve the issues listed here.

The three education agencies, DepEd, CHED, and TESDA, are finally (!) working together to make a seamless path towards employment for every learner at any level.

Why just now? We can only shrug our shoulders. However, we certainly hope this marks the beginning of stronger institutions.

What are your thoughts about K-12? Tell us in the comments!