IN THE early days of the Aquino administration (2010-2016), there was considerable focus on our education system. The perceived wisdom at the time as expressed by incoming Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd), Br. Armin Luistro, was that in order for the Philippines to have a globally competitive education system, we needed to adopt a 13-Year program consisting of Kindergarten and Grades 1-12 (K-12).
In January 2013, Republic Act 10533 also known informally as the K-12 Act, was passed.
Now DepEd is conducting a pilot test on what is called a revised K-10 (not 12) curriculum. Given that K-12 is already enshrined as a Republic Act, is it appropriate to discuss a revised program without reference to the existing Act?
What happens if K-10 is deemed successful and graduates are able to either join the world of work or of further education without undue difficulties? Do we just discard Grades 11 and 12?
Surely the current six-year high school program (Grades 7-12) needs to be considered. A revised Education Act needs to hurdle the legislative process in order to replace RA 10533.
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Alternative Learning System (ALS)
It is gratifying to read about success stories associated with ALS. We need to know more.
How many ALS passers have experienced success so far? Even if it is not too many as yet, there is much encouragement. I hope and believe that ALS is a phenomenon which will flourish in the years to come.
DepEd, of course, has an important role to play. It needs to be proactive. Marketing is important. How can we join? What are the schedules?
We are told that all we have to do is to visit a public school and inquire about how to enroll in ALS, which is free. Good news. I hope that public schools are ready to āsellā the ALS concept. It would be disappointing if a septuagenarian or even an octogenarian summons up the courage to make an enquiry only to find that he is unsuccessful in reaching anyone who could facilitate admission.
A recent heart-warming story in Panay News described the progress of Angelito Esperidon Sr. who has graduated elementary school through ALS.
Family support is vital, and it is gratifying that Mr. Esperidon received this from his children.
ALS has the potential to be an internationally respected success story.
What is needed is the realization that ALS success is achievable by all.
Then the ALS phenomenon will flourish./PN
