Senator welcomes K-12 review

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Bong Go has welcomed the proposal to review the K–12 program the Department of Education is implementing, noting that it has both benefits and drawbacks.

“I welcome any review on the existing K-12 program…in the light of our situation now when many of our ways have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said in Filipino during an interview after providing assistance to indigent Davao City residents last week.

Go said the country must adjust to the new normal and that the education system must be capable of meeting the demands of the post-pandemic global economy.

“Let us adapt to the new system of education, to the new normal. Let us review the K-12 program very carefully, especially now that our students are behind for two years now,” he added, referring to the limited classroom engagements due to the risks of contracting COVID.

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte said President Marcos has given instructions to review the program.

The Commission on Higher Education had also previously stated that it is interested in reviewing the effectiveness of the program, saying that data are available for evaluation.

Go has long been advocating for the improvement of the country’s education system. He co-authored the bill which became Republic Act 11510 which institutionalizes the Alternative Learning System and improves the delivery of basic education to the underserved and disadvantaged.

The law provides the support lacking for typically underrepresented students, such as indigenous students, students from less privileged backgrounds and students with physical and learning disabilities.

During his visits to communities in crisis, Go has also been distributing phablets to students in order to assist them in the blended learning program implemented in schools.