YOUTH Philippines on the K-12 Proposal: We are giving our CONDITIONAL SUPPORT (only if)

YOUTH Philippines Inc. support the K-12 Proposal, only if the pre-conditions for smooth implementation are satisfied, such as the eradication of illegal collections in the public school, guaranteed primary and alternative financial resources to fund the K12 and school management resources issues

The K-12 program has been laid out by DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro, to improve the competencies of our students in specific areas responsive to the needs of the business and corporate world.

The K12 Proposal was carried out by DepEd Sec. Bro. Armin Luistro

The intention has been made clear, to prepare the students better for the job market. This is only one side of the practical aspect.

The question is, how does the government intend to subsidize more for the additional two years, also taking consideration present problems on the educational sector's school management resources (lack of classrooms, educational aids etc.)?

The issues of the current curriculum, the practicality of the educational program and the scarcities in school management resources should be treated holistically and with equitability. The education problem is not solely a function of school management resources, but also of the two others I mentioned. The education problem, in fact, is also a dependent function of the problem of population and also the lack of capital/financial resources in the country.

These issues in education are correlative to each other. For us, it's a matter of what aspect gets the better share in terms of priority, but that should not be a hindrance for the DepEd to implement reforms it seeks to improve the competencies of our students.

We'd like to agree with the sentiments of parents, on how they would be able to cope up with the increase of 2 years in Basic Education. The DepEd first has to ensure and a clear mandate has to be released that no illegal collection of fees shall transpire, to ensure that Public Education is an fact free, and not burdensome for families who can barely afford to fund the studies of their children. If they want to implement K-12, then they must intensify efforts to eliminate these practices, not on a directive level, but on a policing level.

We'd also like to take the side of the teachers, that in the implementation of these measures, they would take the brunt of responsibility, thus we must also look at providing incentives for teachers who would undergo rigorous and intensified training for the new curriculum. Not only short-term incentives, but also look at increasing the wages of teachers, same as in the private practice, on a per-annum basis. Why would we save money at the cost of ensuring a better future for the children of tomorrow? Why would we cost cut in a long term solution we see to eliminate or reduce poverty in the country?

We'd also like to know as to whether the private sector would be agreeable to reduce their requirements to accommodate high school graduates in their respective companies. The intent here of DepEd Sec. Armin Luistro is to make possible for High School graduates to find jobs reasonable to the acquired skills they had by virtue of their training in technical/vocational, entrepreneurship and livelihood courses in senior high school. But would the private sector be agreeable to that setup? Again, the whole Education coaster must get into this solution, not just the DepEd, but it also must include the CHED and the TESDA. I even do not understand the bureaucracy of separating these three agencies from each other.

In terms of the budget for this proposal, where do we get the resources to support this initiative? This must also be some fiscal responsibility attached to this proposal. Sec. Luistro said he has been talking with the League of Municipalities, PCSO and PAGCOR for the alternative sources. But for me, we have to have the assurance first that there will be alternatives, just in case we do not have the regular sources available. The Budget for State Universities and Colleges were even cut, so how do we expect more support for Education reforms from the House or even from the Executive? Again, we cannot explore on this proposal unless we have assured ourselves that we have guaranteed support from various non-government stakeholders, or even secured grants from international NGO's or governments.

This proposal is in fact needed by our country, to improve the competencies of our students when it comes to practical and market skills. However, my reservation remains that if and only when reforms in the system of school management is implemented, that's the only time I feel DepEd would deserve a right to carry on with this measure.

We are receptive to the K12 proposal, provided there are reforms on issues that serve as a pre-condition to the successful and cost-effective implementation of the K12.

AARON BENEDICT DE LEON
Secretary-General
YOUTH Philippines, inc.