PNoy signs K to 12 into law

MALACANANG - President Benigno S. Aquino III signed today the K to 12 law, a landmark piece of legislation that institutionalizes 12 years of basic education, making it responsive to global educational standards. The law – which introduces two additional years in secondary education and makes Kindergarten mandatory among 5-year olds – is expected to give graduates better choices in the field of work or further education.

“[Sa K-12] tinitiyak nating sapat at kapaki-pakinabang ang kasanayang naibabahagi sa ating mga mag-aaral,” said the President. ([With K-12] we are making sure that adequate and useful skills are being imparted to our students.) The additional two years after fourth year high school are intended to further hone the skills and talents of students for their chosen career path in arts and sports, technical vocational, entrepreneurship or tertiary education.

Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC, for his part, expressed gratitude to all sectors that helped shepherd the bill into law. “We are particularly grateful to the members of Congress, government agencies, the working groups, and other individuals who share with us the vision of a relevant, responsive and truly 21st century education.”

DepEd is currently preparing for the full implementation of K to 12 in 2016. In school year 2012-2013, the curriculum for Grades 1 and 7 was rolled out. By June of this year (school year 2013-2014), the curriculum for Grades 2 and 8 will be introduced.