Teachers oppose 12-year education plan

THE Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC) expressed apprehension on the education program of the Aquino government to extend the basic education cycle from 10 to 12 years.

The group reacted to the statement made by Education Secretary Armin Luistro who said he will fully support Aquino’s 12-year education program.

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“We are also in full support for P-Noy and the DepEd’s (Department of Education) leadership in pursuing reforms in the education sector, however, we believe that this 12-year basic education cycle should not be prioritized. Instead, the basic necessities in education should be given more focus,” said Benjo Basas, TDC’s national chairperson.

Basas further explained that all the efforts geared to reform the education sector like this one would not be effective if the government fails to address the real issues on the field like shortages in classrooms, school buildings, teachers, and education materials.

The group is willing to hold a dialogue with the education officials and even with Aquino so they can present the realities of the education sector.

They also would like to seek explanation on why there is no mention of teachers’ welfare in the president’s program and his 10-point education agenda.

“The President’s Sona (State of the Nation Address) speech should be the core of his platforms. But unfortunately, he only presented a very limited education sector program and made no mention of the teachers’ welfare,” Basas added.

“We want to remind the President and the education officials that the reform initiatives that are not responsive of the teachers’ plight would fall in futility. The teachers’ welfare should always be prioritized,” he concluded.

The TDC reiterates that while they appreciate the reform initiatives of the Aquino administration in general, they find its education sector proposal wanting. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)