A bill that will ensure the continuity of K to 12 and its corresponding funding by the state has been approved overwhelmingly by the House of Representatives by a vote of 190 in favor and eight against.
The Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2012, or House Bill 6643, was approved on third reading yesterday. It will then be reconciled with the Senate version for amendments and improvements until it becomes a law.
Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said that DepEd is thankful for the support of the lawmakers in spearheading legislation that will open more opportunities to the Filipino youth by way of an education system that is relevant to the learners, the community, and industries.
“We are getting closer to our goal of putting in place a basic education system that responds directly to what our learners need and to what the employment and entrepreneurship sectors require, even as it gives enough preparation for students who are geared for higher education,” added Luistro.
K to 12 starts with Univeral Kindergarten which mandates all public elementary schools to offer kindergarten class and accept 5-year old learners beginning 2011. It is followed by six years of Elementary, four years of Junior High School, and two years of Senior High School where students will pursue their preferred career track depending on their skills and inclination. K to 12 does not preclude students from pursuing a college degree and gives them better preparation for the rigors of higher learning.
Luistro has expressed his appreciation to the K to 12 proponents in the House of Representatives, especially Rep. Rosenda Ann Ocampo, Committee on Basic Education and Culture Presiding Officer, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, and the late Salvador Escudero III.
The K to 12 bill in the Senate is being championed by Senator Edgardo Angara.
A most recent survey conducted by the Social Weather Station revealed that majority of the respondents approved of K to 12 and are confident that it will bring the much-needed reform in the country’s educational system.
