G1.

) DepEd all set for K to 12 education program

PASIG CITY, METRO MANILAThe country's formal education system
will now take its monumental shift with the formal launching of the K to 12
reformed basic education program on June.
Full implementation is set this year, starting with the universal
kindergarten program. Filipino children aged five years-old are now
required to spend two years in kindergarten before entering Grade 1.
Grades 11 to 12 will be added in the high school level for academic school
years 2016 to 2017 and 2017 to 2018.
Department of Education (DepEd) chief Armin Luistro said the reform
would focus on two vital factors: curriculum reform and innovation.
A Multi-Satkeholder Task Force has been established to study the effective
implementation of the new curriculum along with the necessary
preparations for the transition.
The DepEd initially released the model for the K to 12 program two years
ago. This enhanced framework integrates science and technology, music
and arts, agriculture and fisheries, business and entrepreneurship and
subjects for advanced placements.
In his speech during the formal launch of the program, President Benigno
Aquino III stressed that this systemic reform would result to a stronger
education system for the long run despite issues that may arise during the
transition phase.
Aquino added that the government is now looking at transforming
textbooks to tablet-based reading materials to help make students more IT-
equipped.
The Philippines is the only country in Asia and among the three remaining
countries in the world with a ten-year basic education cycle.
G2.) Data from the National Statistical Coordinating Board (NSCB) cited
that fewer students graduate from courses related to fields to the country's
growth industries such as education science, engineering and technology.
Senator Edgardo Angara has emphasized the need for all stakeholders to
work together to ensure that effectivity of the program.
This is a significant challengeone that cannot be achieved in just one
year, or in the span of one administration. But the process of change must
start now. The K to 12 reforms are a work in progress which requires our
continuous dialogue and cooperation, Angara said.
***
loQal.ph (http://loqal.ph/) is a website owned and operated by Filquest
Media Concepts, Inc. It works under the principle of giving voice to the
voiceless, empowering Filipinos and uplifting the image of the Philippines
by highlighting its unique culture. To do this, the loQal.ph team produces
stories, video, photos and other multimedia content types to inspire and
celebrate Filipino achievements, ideas, products and places.