Dave Stephenn Villamora (CEGP – Davao Region), Danilo Monduyo (ACT Teacher -Davao), Rodney Baslot (Brokenshire College Faculty Union) and Bobot Ayque (ACT Teacher – NCR) (left to right) answer every question raised on why the K to 12 program must be suspended. Photo by Mark Louie Balladares

Representatives from the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), Brokenshire College Faculty Union, and College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP – Davao Region) summoned the members of the media in a press conference held at Marco Polo Hotel, Wednesday morning. The gathering aimed to convey their message to halt the implementation of K+12 curriculum which is in its 4th year.

Bobot Ayque of ACT-NCR asserted that the continuing implementation of the said curriculum, which adds two additional years in high school, will only cause additional burden to students and their parents. He added that it does not address the quality of education.

On the same side, Brokenshire College Faculty Union President, Rodney Baslot, claimed that private institutions are not yet ready for the implementation of K+12, for grades 11 and 12.

“In our case in Brokenshire College, when we talk about ‘blue prints’, if there are any ‘blue prints’ about K+12 implementation, wala pa rin ngayon,” Baslot said.

Danilo Mondoyu, a representative from ACT-Davao, pointed that students, parents, and even teachers themselves are not yet prepared for its further implementation.

He also added that there are still problems in the 10-year curriculum that must be addressed such as insufficiency of books, classrooms and teachers.

“In other words, wala mi kabalo kung unsa gyud ka andam ang DepEd ani nga mga programa. Kay ako isip na magtutudlo, dili jud ko andam ani na program,” Mondoyu lamented.

For CEGP who represented the student body, the budget for the curriculum is not enough.

“The government only allotted almost four percent of total GDP of the country. Whereas, what is needed is six percent to implement K to 12,” Dave Stephen Villamora explained.

In these concerns, the groups encouraged everyone to participate in their call for the suspension of K to 12.

“Ako ay nanawagan din sa mga magulang at mga bata. Magsama-sama tayo. Tanging edukasyon na lang ang ating sandatang mga mahihirap. Aalisin pa [ba ito] sa atin?” Ayque said.