InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5
MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III has signed into law Republic Act 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 that implements the K to 12 Program.
The K to 12 Program covers kindergarten and 12 years of basic education - six years of primary education, four years of junior high school, and two years of senior high school.
Longer by two years than the previous program, K to 12 aims to provide sufficient time for mastery of concepts and skills, develop lifelong learners and prepare graduates for tertiary education, middle-level skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship.
"This law will empower the next generation of Filipinos," Aquino said during the signing ceremony at the Palace on Wednesday.
Under the new law, 12 mother tongue languages have been identified as medium of instruction until Grade 3 - Bahasa Sug, Bikol, Cebuano, Chabacano, Hiligaynon, Iloko, Kapampangan, Maguindanaoan, Meranao, Pangasinense, Tagalog, and Waray.
From Grades 4 to 6, English and Filipino will be introduced as languages of instruction.
The enhanced basic education curriculum will allow graduates to have middle-level skills that will offer them better opportunities to be gainfully employed or become entrepreneurs.
The Department of Education has already entered into an agreement with business organizations, local and foreign chambers of commerce, and industries to ensure that graduates of K to 12 will be considered for employment.
The K to 12 Program will eventually affect the college curriculum. According to DepEd, the college General Education Curriculum is being revised.
It will have fewer units - a year's worth of general education subjects and at least two years of major subjects - as the K to 12 Program already adheres to the College Readiness Standards.
MIDTERM POLLS, A MONTH AFTER| Fraud doubts linger as PCOS defects surface
Cong. Benaldo says wife Daiana Menezes âhas forgiven me because she truly loves meâ
