Teachers to P-noy: Sufficient funds for K-12

 Press release from

posted on May 18, 2013

Human Rights Online Philippines

Amidst the signing into law of Enhanced Basic Education Curriculum of 2013 or the K-12 Education Program (RA 10533), the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) once again expressed its apprehension on program.

“K-12 is the flagship program of this administration and therefore education sector should be given the funds it needs for successful implementation.” Said Emmalyn Policarpio, an elementary teacher from Valenzuela City and the group’s Secretary-General.

President Benigno Aquino III signs the K-12 law today.

The group is wary of the program and said that mere signing of law would not resolve existing problems of the education sector without drastically resolving the resource shortages.

“While the Department of Education (DepEd) is doing everything to close the gaps and that includes solicitation from private donors, partnership with LGUs and indirect contributions from parents and students like in Brigada Eskwela, these small measures would not be enough considering the ever-growing necessities of public education sector.” Policarpio explained.

The TDC said that the determination of the DepEd and Malacanang to push thru with the program, the signing of the bill approved by the Congress into law does not guarantee a solution to the dismal condition of Philippine public school system.

“Less than a month from now, our schools will re-open for another year. We cannot just rely on private sponsorship or community mobilization. The government should have a better policy on education financing.” Policarpio furthered.

The group also pointed out that instructional materials for K-12 curriculum were not readily available. And the worst, according to TDC is the government’s disregard to the welfare of teachers when it hired the kinder teachers in contractual terms and will be paid P3000 monthly for the special job.

“If P-Noy wants a global standard in length of education cycle, it is but just for the people to demand a global standard in terms of education input.” Policarpio ended.

The group earlier asked Malacañang to consider postponement of the program and call for a wider dialogue, information dissemination or even national debate. The group instead, challenged President Aquino to put necessary funds to resolve the shortages in school inputs, most of them are actually backlogs of the past administrations.

Reference: Emmalyn Policarpio, Secretary-General, 0939-7798649