This reflection was used as my project in social dimensions of education during my third year in college. It is about the implemented curriculum here in the Philippines and its advantages and disadvantages - the K-12 program. :)

1. Delos Santos, Jerilyn S. May 17, 2017
BSEd 3-E Physical Science
Globalization
Education aims to elevate human life into a greater height by empowering one’s mind to
be able to acquire knowledge and skills that will impact their development in life. As time goes
by, the demand for high-quality education increases; but the quality of Philippine education stays
having a poor performance as reflected in the low achievement scores of Filipino students in the
National Achievement Test (NAT) and in international comparative tests in science and
mathematics. The Philippines was one of the only three countries worldwide that still had only
ten (10) years in basic education – which was viewed as insufficient for the Filipino students to
master basic academic skills. Enhancing the quality of basic education in the Philippines was
needed. As a result, a new curriculum was actualized by the Philippine government during the
time of the former President Benigno Aquino III: the K-12 curriculum.
The K-12 program was reconstructed from the old curriculum. It covers kindergarten and
twelve (12) years of basic education (six years of primary education, four years of junior high
school and two years of senior high school). The new curriculum was designed to give Filipino
students enough time, not just to master basic academic skills but as well as to participate in
extra-curricular and community activities. It is believed that through the implementation of the
new curriculum, we can be globally competitive. According to Sergio (2012), the K-12 would
make high school graduates better equipped, ready, and competent to take on any of the
significant life choices after their presentation from basic education.
The goal of the K-12 curriculum is to uplift the quality of Philippine education to produce
productive and responsible citizens that can meet the challenges of the 21st century. However,
during its implementation, K-12 has been met with criticism from youth and student groups,
teachers, parents and the academic community (Maramag, 2011). Many disadvantages have been
pointed out; still, the Department of Education argued that the K-12 program will be the solution
to a better quality of living of the Filipinos.

2. One of the benefits for the Filipino students of implementing the said curriculum is the
readiness to join the workforce. K-12 curriculum aims to produce graduates equipped to join the
workforce. Unlike in the old curriculum, the K-12 program does not compel students to enter
college after completing senior high school. With the help of the electives or tracks offered
during grades 11 and 12, it can give the Filipino students ample time to master a field and
enhance their skills. This can also be an advantage for the parents and families.
In the long run, graduates of the K-12 program will also become globally competitive and
can now be recognized as professionals abroad. K-12 curriculum was designed to improve
students’ mathematical and scientific competence and to meet the demands of the society.
The newly implemented curriculum is “minus 2 years, instead of plus 2 years”; in other
words, it is having two extra years of high school, but is two years less of tertiary education.
Parents who cannot afford to send their children to college but still want them to be employable
can see this as an advantage.
Another benefit is that, according to DepEd, the economy will experience accelerated
growth. Improvements on the quality of Philippine education will increase the Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) rate growth by as much as 2%. It is believed that K-12 curriculum will have a
positive impact on the community and nation.
Despite of having many advantages on the implementation of the K-12 system in the
Philippines, it still has flaws and disadvantages. One of the drawbacks observed is that the
DepEd must first solve the lacking of classrooms; error-free textbooks; qualified teachers; and
other needed facilities. To solve this backlog, the Philippine Government infused larger budget
to support the newly implemented curriculum.
For other parents, they wish their children will graduate sooner rather than later. They see
the K-12 curriculum as a longer schooling cycle; telling their children “sayang! Naabutan ka ng
K-12. Edi sana college ka na ngayon.” If modernizing the education sector could only find a
way without having to lengthen it, according to Elin (2015), then both parents and students, as
primary stakeholders, will embrace it without reservations.

3. As a Filipino citizen and as a future educator, I agree that K-12 system could help solve
the problems of our country. Students will have more time in choosing their career to take in
college that best suits in their skills. They will be free to pursue their passion, whether they want
to be professionals, artists, or businessmen. Students will also grow to their full potential because
K-12 curriculum is learner-centered.
I strongly agree with Liezel (2011), it depends on the value of education, not on the
duration. The K-12 curriculum was implemented to provide a holistic education for all Filipino
students. It aims not only to produce better graduates but as well as to improve the quality of life
of Filipino families and of the nation as a whole.
The K-12 program surely had experienced many challenges during its implementation. It
is not easy to change, but I do believe that it is necessary. What is asked from us as Filipino
citizens is that we give more support to the program and help develop the schools and students’
potential in whatever ways we can.
References:
Bacarra, R. V. (2016, April 30). Why the K-12 program will benefit the Filipino youth. Retrieved
from http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/227819/why-the-k-12-program-will-benefit-the-filipino-youth/
DepEd Discussion Paper, The Enhanced K+12 Basic Education Program. 2010, October 05.
Retrieved from http://www.ceap.org.ph/upload/download/201210/17115829500_1.pdf
Maramag, S. K. (May 2011). Is the K-12 model good for the Philippine Education System? via
Philippine Online Chronicles. Retrieved from http://blogwatch.tv/2011/05/proposed-k-12-basic-
education-systemin-the-philippines/
Gamboa, R. (2013, May 16). Is K-12 the answer?. The Philippine Star. Retrieved from
http://www.philstar.com/business/2013/05/16/942551/k12-answer
Briefer on the Enhanced K to 12 Basic Education Program. 2010, November 02. Retrieved from
http://www.gov.ph/2010/11/02/briefer-on-the-enhanced-k12-basic-education-program/
Three Practical Benefits of the Philippines’ K to 12 Curriculum. Retrieved from
http://k12philippines.com/three-practical-benefits-of-the-philippines-k-to-12-curriculum/