Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is focusing on enhancing the existing K-12 curriculum rather than opposing its implementation, Malaca±ang revealed on Wednesday. 'Hindi na po siya tutol talaga sa K-12. Aayusin po ngayon (He is not really against K-12. It will be improved now),' Palace Press Officer Claire Castro informed reporters during a press conference.
According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos is committed to adhering to existing laws while emphasizing the need to enrich and expand the current education framework. 'Pero kung ano po ang magiging batas, iyan din po ang susundin. Pero sa ngayon na nandiyan ang batas, ito po ay bibigyan ng halaga at palalawigin at pagagandahin po (But whatever the law will be, that will also be followed. But now that the law is there, it will be valued, expanded, and improved),' Castro stated.
Marcos has acknowledged that the initial implementation of the K-12 program was hindered by inadequate preparation of relevant agencies, Castro noted. 'Ang sinabi lang po niya ay hindi naging epektibo agad dahil hindi niya nai-prepare ang mga ahensya para dito (What he is saying is that it was not effective immediately because he did not prepare the agencies for it),' she explained.
In a recent podcast, Marcos shared his frustrations regarding the K-12 program and directed Education Secretary Sonny Angara to address existing gaps in curriculum and infrastructure. Castro emphasized the administration's dedication to refining the K-12 system, saying, 'Ayon po sa ating Pangulo, hanggat nandyan ang batas para sa K-12, ito po ay susuportahan at palalawigin at pag-iibayuhin na maayos para sa ating mga estudyante (According to our President, as long as the law for K-12 is there, it will be supported, expanded, and improved properly for our students).'
The discussion around the K-12 program has been further fueled by Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada's recent bill proposing the removal of the senior high school (SHS) level, amid criticism from various groups. Angara noted that efforts are underway to enhance the SHS program, with over 800 schools nationwide slated to pilot the improved curriculum for Grades 11 and 12 in the 2025-2026 school year.
