THE Bacolod City Council approved a resolution urging the Congress of the Philippines and the Department of Education (DepEd) under the incoming administration to review the K-12 program of education in the country.

Resolution author Councilor Renectio Novero said it was approved by the City Council during their regular session on June 29, 2022.

Novero, chairperson of the City Council committee on education, said there is a growing sentiment among many parents and school children regarding the practicality of the K-12 program of education in the country.

He said it adds two more years of financial burden to the parents and their respective professionals earlier.

“There is a need to review the K-12 education program in the country in light of the current realities, which might include the possible options; integration of the senior high school courses with those being offered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA),” Novero said.

The calibration of the years spent in senior high school for purposes of qualifying the same as an integral part of the four-year basic course in college, the conversion of the same as optional rather than mandatory for all, and such other modes which the very purpose of the K-12 program may become more practicable and profitable for the children and less cumbersome to the parents, he also said.

K to 12 is an education system under the DepEd to enhance learners' basic skills, produce more competent citizens, and prepare graduates for lifelong learning and employment.

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.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also earlier asked Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, who was appointed as the next secretary of education, to review the implementation of the K-12 program in the country.