Party-list hits House approval of K to 12

A YOUTH progressive group slammed the House approval of the proposed K to 12 bit on second reading.

"The passage of Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2012 (HB 6643) in Congress on Thursday is a clear railroading of Aquino administration to legislate K to 12 program," said Cherry Orendain, Anakbayan regional spokesperson, in a media advisory sent through a text message.

A report published by a national daily said the House of Representatives passed on second reading the proposed K-to-12 bill that will add two years to the country's 10-year basic education system on October 17.

The HB 6643 seeks to institutionalize the 12-year education system in which the students are required to undergo six years of primary education and six years of secondary education.

"We urge the Davao City congressmen to assert on the final reading the true sentiment of the Davaoeños as shown in the survey conducted last year by Institute of Public Opinion of University of Mindanao. Survey showed that majority of the Davaoeños consider K to 12 program as an added economic burden," Orendain said.

Meanwhile, in a press statement, ACT Teachers Representative Antonio Tinio echoed the same sentiment.

"For the K to 12 reform program to significantly improve the quality of basic education, it must first solve existing shortages. Sadly, there is no indication anywhere in the bill of the intention to do so," Tinio said.

In a press statement posted in its official website, the Congress discussed the objectives of HB 6643.

These include: the enhancement of the quality of basic education in a manner that is least disruptive to the current curriculum, most affordable to government; and families and aligned with international practice.

Another objective, it read, is to change public perception that’s secondary education is just a preparation for college; rather, it should allow one to take advantage of opportunities for gainful career or employment and or self-employment in a rapidly changing and increasingly globalized environment.

"Authors of this bill also aim to give every student the opportunity to receive quality education based on an enhanced and relevant curriculum that is internationally recognized and comparable," the post read.

"The bill prescribes for an enhanced basic education program that encompasses one year of kindergarten education, six years of elementary education, and six years of secondary education consisting of four years junior high school and two years senior high school education," the post added. (Arianne Caryl N. Casas)