Palace stands by decision on K to 12 implementation

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang is standing by its decision to implement the K to 12 program starting next year.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. told Kapihan sa Manila Bay media forum last Wednesday that the K to 12 program was the only way for Filipino students to be globally competitive.

Students from Singapore are leaving behind those from other countries in Mathematics and Science competitions, he added.

The Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Department of Labor and Employment and other concerned agencies are doing everything to deal with problems anticipated during the program’s implementation, Coloma said.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro also remains steadfast in pushing for the full implementation of the K to 12 program starting next year.

A coalition of teachers, non-teaching staff, parents and labor groups has asked the Supreme Court (SC) to stop the implementation of K to 12.

They argued that Republic Act No. 10533 failed to provide labor protection to teachers and non-teaching staff.