QUEZON CITY, July 17—The Department of Education (DepEd) said on Thursday that over to 6,400 education stakeholders pledge their support for the K-to-12 Program and the benefits it entails.
“DepEd cannot do all of the reforms by ourselves. We thank our industry partners for making employment programs fit for our learners; our local government units for their constant promotion of the program; and for all of you who have expressed support for this major education reform,” Education Secretary Armin Luistro said.
Parents, teachers, students, and representatives from the business sector voiced their personal sentiments on the reform.
Tabaco National High School teacher Salve Estrella said in her testimony, “Our presence here today is a strong testament of our support for this program. Together, we will find solutions for pressing issues. Together, we will taste the sweetness of our success.”
Grade 10 Legazpi City Science High School students Joseph Aristotle de Leon shared his vision for himself and the country, “As a student it has been my dream to be an engineer who innovates, and solves world problems. I believe and trust that the K-to-12 Program is the potent instrument as I soar towards this dream.”
“Morally and pedagogically it (K-to-12) is convincing. Learning takes time and K-to-12 corrects the congested curriculum that we’ve had before,” Albay Province Governor Joey Salceda said.
He explained a possible increase in the cohort survival rate of outgoing elementary students to incoming high school students. “My analysis is, the 46% cohort survival from elementary to high school will increase to 67%, because with this program, the goal is clear, and the program is promising.”
Legazpi City Mayor Noel E. Rosal also shared his insights on the program seeing it as not just an immediate solution for pressing issues but a long term investment. He said, “Naniniwala ako na armas ng Pilipino ang edukasyon para sa ikauunlad ng bayan. Kaya ipagpatuloy natin ang programang ito (K-to-12) hindi lang para sa ikagaganda nito ngayon, kundi pati para sa mga susunod na henerasyon.”
“At the end of the day, ang hamon sa Albay at Camarines Sur ay ang kaisipang, ‘No learner should be left behind.’ Ang pangarap natin ay walang out of school youth sa buong probinsya ng Albay at Camarines Sur, at sa buong bansa,” Luistro added. (DepEd)
