Aquino signs K+12 bill into law

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno S. Aquino III signed into law on Wednesday the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2012, adding two more years in the basic education of students in the country.

“Malinaw ang batayang prinsipyo ng batas na ito: karapatan ng bawat Pilipinong mamuhay nang marangal; tungkulin naman ng estadong siguruhing may patas na oportunidad ang ating mamamayan, lalo na ang pinakamahihirap nating kababayan. At isang matatag na haligi ng kanilang pag-ahon ang pagkakaroon ng mataas na antas ng edukasyon. Sa pagsasabatas ng K to 12, hindi lang tayo nagdaragdag ng dalawang taon para sa higit pang pagsasanay ng ating mga mag-aaral; tinitiyak din nating talagang nabibigyang-lakas ang susunod na henerasyon na makiambag sa pagpapalago ng ating ekonomiya at lipunan,” Aquino said.

The program, also called K+12, covers kindergarten, six years of primary education, four years of junior high school and two years of senior high school.

The government said the new program aims to give students sufficient time in undrestanding and learning concepts and skills and to help them in employment and entrepreneurship.

Aquino said the K+12 program makes the youth closer to the fulfillment of their dreams.

Proponents of the bill, Senators Franklin Drilon, Edgardo Angara, Ralph Recto, Speaker of the House Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. and Representatives Neptali Gonzales II, Sandy Ocampo and Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara attended the signing ceremony.