There is an ongoing debate about the relevance of the K-12 curriculum to the local job market and the needs of students. Many critics argue that it does not adequately prepare students for both higher education and employment.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed concerns about the relevance of the K-12 educational program, which was instituted to provide Filipino students with a more comprehensive education for the job market.
The K-12 program was initially praised as a necessary reform that would align Philippine education with global standards. Despite all the hype, the reality is that K-12 has not met expectations.
Many families are experiencing increased financial pressure due to the additional two years of education, along with the cost of school supplies and materials, which are contributing to the high dropout rates.
Low-income families that borrow from money lenders to finance their children’s college education expect an immediate return on investment.
The crux of the problem appears to be a glaring disconnect between what students under the program are taught and what employers need — a mismatch that can have dire consequences in a rapidly changing job market. This revelation should serve as a wake-up call for lawmakers, educators and parents alike.
The K-12 program was implemented rapidly despite unprepared teachers and a lack of resources. Numerous schools struggled with inadequate facilities, insufficient teaching materials and untrained instructors, which negatively impacted the quality of education.
The transition to K-12 was intended to enhance the curriculum and produce better-prepared graduates; however, concerns persist about the actual quality of instruction delivered in the classrooms, with many graduates still lacking the skills and competencies required in the workforce.
Philippine schools often have overcrowded classrooms, which can compromise the effectiveness of instruction and limit individual attention to students.
Bureaucratic inefficiencies and corruption in the education system divert funds and resources from schools, worsening the challenges faced by students and educators.
The stress related to transitioning to a longer education cycle has raised concerns about students’ mental health, as they face increased academic pressure without adequate support systems.
A mere scrapping of the program without a well thought-out alternative would be a disservice to the millions of Filipinos it aims to serve.
The President’s acknowledgment of the system’s flaws is commendable. His administration’s efforts to partner with the private sector to address the skills gap are a positive step forward.
By actively engaging with businesses to identify the skills necessary for employment, the education system can shift its focus from outdated methods to a more responsive curriculum that meets the needs of today’s job market.
The collaboration must extend beyond simple training programs. The education system needs a fundamental restructuring to provide relevant, practical, and immediately applicable skills.
We must do more than work on the fringes; a thorough review of the curriculum is needed, along with a sincere commitment to equipping students for the realities they will encounter after graduation.