Francine Marie Y.

Girado 02/02/2022
10 – Rizal

K to 12: Game Changer or Burden?

10-point Education Agenda was proposed by President Benigno Aquino III on July 26, 2010.
This one decision, one act has changed the Philippines’ educational system drastically. Philippines
is one of the last three country worldwide, to still uphold the 10-year pre-university cycle, with this,
the President of the Philippines—President Benigno Aquino III, proposed an idea to engage in a
‘new’ educational system. The question then lies… What change and major benefits could the extra
2-years offer to Filipino students? Are there any obvious change of opportunities from the
educational system before and after K to 12 is implemented? And lastly, Is K to 12 an essential part
of the Filipino students’ academic life or is it a burden? In view of some majority and my
perspective, we don’t see any difference and relevance of the President’s proposal. And here is why:
The objective of the implementation of an extra 2 years to Filipino students closing their years of
being a junior high student, is to solely reach the recognized global academic standards, to
accelerate its way and be seen together with the other countries, be mutual in terms of academics
with the professionals all across the world. Government claims that K to 12 embarks new
beginnings and sets opportunities for students; K to 12 is nothing but a mere medium to the
students’ success, nothing but a great plan for the Filipinos’ future. Text wise, book wise; of course,
that would be their claim, they instill convincing, persuasive words to people in regards of the great
effect and immense benefits of K to 12 once officially implemented. It is by fact true that global
wise, it is right for students to undergo 12 years of academic experience pre-university however, if
we are to place both academic methods and system on a balance from international; Specifically
speaking, countries such as Germany, Canada, Norway, USA and many more, unfortunately,
Philippines’ method on K to 12 is nothing compared to big countries’ K to 12 system. Ours is too
heavy, and that is a fact. If Philippines’ senior high—the 2 years extension; is more likely to become
an extension of junior high school then what is the purpose of it by then? K to 12 is implemented to
enhance the students learning in preparation of the student’s supposed and preferred course upon
entering university. K to 12 focuses on major subjects. Hence, why is it that senior high students
here in the Philippines study until their eyebrows are burnt? Let us all be practical.
Allow me to cite some instance. My family and I went to Las Vegas last 2019 and stayed at my
aunt’s house for 45 days. Fortunately, my aunt and uncle are host parents, they invite exchange
students and allowed them to temporarily live there. I have gained a lot of realizations after meeting
the two exchange students; one is Norwegian and the other is German. Their statement twisted my
mentality in relate to Philippines’ academic curriculum. “Tell me” They stated “why do you think
we have time to work and have part-time jobs? And still perform well in acads” … Time. Time is
limited here for Filipino senior high students; bombarded with either minor and major projects.
Exactly, why do senior high students from abroad have the time to work and pay-off their own
tuition fees for senior high? Why is it hard for Filipinos to attain that? Otherwise, if Filipino
students do work part-time, it is only for the reason that they are college students, not a senior high
student. It is as if senior high students are still in their phase in junior high. Nothing has changed.
Even the foreigners are stunned as to how Philippines’ educational system works. Not to mention
the increase of yearly payment. Continuously cashing out hundred thousand per student for two
consecutive years is no joke for a mass of Filipino people, especially the unfortunate. Considering
that more than 20 million Filipinos are poor as per official government statistics, adding two more
years to high school would catastrophically be a financial burden to many. This is an indirect assault
to the Filipino people’s right to education.
Tracing back to the early years, Filipinos remarkably aced their way to success even without the K
to 12 program therefore, why must this be implemented when years back without this project
implemented, Filipinos were well, Filipinos still thrived their way to personal and social victory, so
why must this be implemented? when all it has done is nothing but extend the students’ academic
experience. Truly and fairly enough, the students will definitely learn something however, will all
the learnings from the 2-year extension be applicable to real-life situations? Will it ALL be useful
by then? The blood, sweat and tears—will it all be worth it once they graduate? The amendment of
benefits given to students that underwent senior high are not as major nor significant as to what they
said we, the civilians would expect. Embarking of new beginnings is not done by the program but
the students themselves. And only them. Not everything is done strategically…
The claim then stood… There is no visible difference from the era of the before and the after.
Surely it has met the global academic standards, and for what cost… the uproar of people finally
being able to meet the global standards, be mutual to the high or prestige leaders from abroad? Or
the tears? The pain? The stressful cognition of unapplicable learnings? The student?... It is not
necessary to reach the standards of the others especially if the cost is burdensome. Yes, it is… K to
12 is burdensome. Albeit it won’t be, if only the system’s method is different…