DepEd signs K12 rules 2 days ahead of schedule

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Education (DepEd) signed on Wednesday the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the K to 12 program, a curriculum which adds two more years of education for students.

The signing came two days ahead of schedule, with the IRR aiming to address several issues including the compulsory basic education clause, which requires all parents to enroll their children in basic education.

Under the program, students who have exhibited exceptional talent will receive comprehensive programs in all levels, while differently abled students will have programs in their homes, schools, centers and communities.

Muslim students will have the madrasah program prescribed by the DepEd and the Commission on Muslim Filipinos.

Indigenous peoples will also have their own program which supports their education through formal and informal means. The programs intends to educate the children from indigenous communities without losing their indigenous knowledge systems, practices and language.

The IRR also considers students under difficult circumstances- geographic isolation, illness, displacement due to conflict, urban resettlement, disaster, child abuse and child labor- to help them get back on track with their education.

Students enrolled in senior high school also stand to benefit from the expansion of the  Expanded Government Assistance for Students and Teachers in Private Education Act to include more beneficiaries.

The state agency also vowed to help private schools to align themselves with the new program.