PHNO-HL: TEACHERS GROUP SAYS, DEPed NOT READY FOR K to 12 / K to 12 = CHAOS

TEACHERS GROUP SAYS, DEPed NOT READY FOR K to 12 /
K to 12 = CHAOS

[Ruth Alia arranges instructional materials for her students at the
Tungkop Elementary School in Minglanilla, Cebu in preparation for the opening of
classes today. PHOTO BY RUY
MARTINE]
MANILA, JUNE 5, 2012 (MANILA TIMES) Written by : LOVELYN QUINTOS
REPORTER AND FRANCIS EARL A. CUETO CORRESPONDENT - THERE will be no smiles of
welcome but raised fists of protests from public school teachers when schools
open today.
Teachers are not against the start of classes, but the implementation of the
Department of Education's (DepEd) Kindergarten to Grade 12 Basic Education
Program (K to 12) that would affect more than 25 million old and incoming
students.
In a press conference on Sunday, members of the Manila Public School Teachers
Association (MPSTA) lambasted the Education department and the administration of
President Benigno Aquino 3rd for its failure to address shortages in the
education sector, saying the K to 12 was "a wrong solution to a wrong problem."

"We are calling on DepEd and PNoy to stop the K to 12 program because it is
not a solution but an additional burden. The program has no legislation and has
no fund appropriated for it. We lack preparation in retooling and training for
teachers, and we don't have textbooks and teaching modules," MPSA President
Benjie Valbuena said.
Education Secretary Armin Luistro said that students from public schools
total 21.5 million while private schools contribute 4 million in the actual
number of enrollees.
June 9 was designated as the start of orientation on the K to 12 program.

The Education chief admitted that birth pains are expected on the initial
salvo of K to 12 program, but he expressed optimism that they can easily adapt
to the new curriculum.
The MPSTA said that the department lacks 101,612 teachers, 68,000 classrooms,
and 135,847 sanitation facilities and the "haphazard" implementation of K to 12
"will just worsen the situation."
The K to 12 program follows the K-6-4-2 Model where basic education equates
to Kindergarten plus six years in elementary (Grades 1 to 6), four years in
junior high school (Grades 7 to 10) and introduction of two years in senior high
school (Grades 11 and 12).
The government said that "K to 12 will facilitate an accelerated economic
growth" and "will facilitate mutual recognition of Filipino graduates and
professionals in other countries."
Valbuena, however, noted that the additional two years or senior high school
will only "rapidly generate employable high school graduates that will fill in
the demands of the foreign market," providing no room to improve
industrialization and address problems in agrarian reform locally.
"Our graduates will forever remain handyman doing repairs or maintenance and
not as professionals in science and laboratory works," he said.
He added that the failure to immediately hire some 30, 000 teachers for two
million kindergarten students this school year manifests the education
department's lack of preparation for K to 12.
"This is K to 12 and our focus should be on the kindergarten [level]. Instead
of hiring [permanent] teachers, DepEd opts to employ contractual teachers and
volunteers for the Kindergarten classes with a salary of P3,000 per month in a
single class," he said.
Neglected This, he said, is a violation of the Magna Carta for Teachers,
which provides that only licensure examinations for teachers (LET) passers can
teach in public schools.
Valbuena also lamented that under the Aquino administration, the teachers
have remained "the most neglected and most disadvantaged" in the education
sector. He asserted that the basic monthly pay of teachers stands at P18,000
while the cost of living in Metro Manila is at P24, 000.
He also assailed the Aquino administration for not following the prescription
made by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, which
said that 6 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) should be allocated for
education. He said that the current budget for education is only 2.5 percent of
the GDP equivalent to a 13 percent slice in the fiscal pie.
While shortages in teachers, classrooms, textbooks, and sanitary facilities
continue to hound the education sector, DepEd said that there will be no problem
in the introduction of a new curriculum for this school year.
"For the curriculum to be responsive, it has to be changed, and that is one
of the main reasons why we have the curriculum revision," Education Assistant
Secretary for Programs and Projects, Elena Ruiz, told The Manila Times in an
interview.
Ruiz explained that the new curriculum will help decongest the current
system, and will be responsive to the needs of the time and industry. She
reiterated that the same subjects will comprise the new curriculum but with
greater emphasis on more important competencies. Issues on climate change and
environmental conservation, for instance, would be integrated with the new
curriculum, she said.
Complaints Solita Daz, a Grade 7 Filipino teacher from Raja Soliman
Technological and Science High School, noted that under the new curriculum, the
learning areas are almost the same as the previous. However, she said that the
one-week training only focused on the first two grading periods of the school
year.
"We are only given the teaching module for the first and second grading
period. We are fine with that. But no textbooks were given for the students. How
are [the students] supposed to study without their own books?" she bewailed.

She fears that just like in the past, teachers like her will resort to the
old "cartolina and Manila paper" method when discussing lessons.
"The concepts [for the new curriculum] are good; the problem is with the
implementation," she told the Times.
Meanwhile, MPSTA Vice President Merlinda Anonuevo said that she received
complaints from her co-teachers regarding the focus of mastery skills for Grade
1 pupils. The teachers were concerned that the first two grading period
emphasized on the oral skills of pupils which could affect their proficiency on
writing.
"We want to produce employable graduates but can our Grade 1 pupils even make
it to Grade 2? [That's why] there should be a balance in oral and written
language proficiency," she said.
She also lamented that while teachers always take the brunt in issues
regarding poor quality of education, DepEd is still "the root cause" since they
only deliver what the DepEd curriculum asks them to.
Senior high school The Education department had earlier said that the
Philippines is the only remaining country in Asia with a 10-year basic education
program.
Ruiz said that attending Grades 11 and 12 or senior high school will equip
students with skills under different specializations like science and
technology, music and arts, agriculture and fisheries, sports, and business and
entrepreneurship.
The primary factor to consider what specialization will be offered in a
particular school is the interest of the student and to determine this, DepEd
will issue career tests for students as early as Grade 8 or the second year in
high school, Ruiz said.
The needs of the industry within the region or community are another factor.
Special classes will be held to allow those who want to work after senior high
school acquire skills for jobs available on the industries near them.
The Times asked what will happen if students choose the same specializations
which might lead to an imbalanced workforce in the future. Ruiz replied DepEd is
strengthening career guidance program "to really assist the students in choosing
the right career for themselves" and correct the bandwagon mentality in
children.
PPP Regarding the concern that there will be no college freshmen from
2016-2018, Ruiz said that they have discussed the matter with the Commission on
Higher Education and they are trying program models to see "which one will work
out well so that we'll have different menus to choose from in 2016."
As to problems regarding the lack of classrooms, Ruiz said that the
department is still studying various options.
She said DepEd is promoting partnership with private companies to build new
classrooms as in the case in a public school in Iloilo.
"Dun sa Iloilo ang concentration nila ay business process outsourcing
industry sa call center. Ang kapartner nila dun, dun gagawin sa eskwelehan nila
yung call center mismo [In Iloilo, they are concentrating on business process
outsourcing industry (call enters). Their partner in charge of building the
school is the call center company itself]," she said.
Ruiz said there will be "labor pains" until 2016 and demanded for support
from all education stakeholders.
The teachers group, however, will still gather in front of the DepEd National
Office in Pasig City Monday afternoon not only to voice out their concerns but
to warn the government that if the shortages are not addressed immediately, K to
12, like the education programs of the past administrations, is also bound to
fail.
Problems Perennial problems continue to plague the opening of classes such as
the lack of teachers and the ensuing confusion brought about by the pilot
implementation of the K to 12 Basic Education Program.
Last year, the actual enrolment for public schools was 20.48 million.
"As we implement the new K to 12 curriculum for Grade 1 and Grade 7 this
school year, we made sure that public elementary and secondary schools across
the country are ready for school opening," Luistro said.
Grade 7 is what first year junior high school is referred to under K to 12.

Of the expected enrollees this year, 5.76 million are secondary, 14 million
are elementary, and 1.73 million are kindergarten, in over 45,000 public schools
nationwide.
The Education department had taken various measures to prepare schools months
before the class opening. Teacher trainings for the Grade 1 and Grade 7 enhanced
curriculum were conducted in different subject areas per region to develop
teachers' capacity for the efficient implementation of the new curriculum.
According to the department, 132,564 public school teachers are still needed.
It would go down to 47,584 if the 16,000 allocation for 2012 would be
implemented and 68,980 local government-funded teachers for kinder would be
given.
"The key to the success of the introduction of K to 12 in schools is keeping
the public informed and ensuring that schools are prepared to apply the new
curriculum," Luistro added.
The passage of the Kindergarten Education Act and the introduction of the new
curriculum for Grade 1 and Grade 7 demonstrate the department's firm commitment
in bringing change in the education system while remaining on track to meet the
country's Education For All (EFA) commitment by 2015.
Legislation According to Kabataan party-list, the DepEd's K to 12 program
could not be implemented without an enabling legislation from Congress.
"There is no statute that states the different levels of formal education
pursued by the K+12 program. Thus far, the levels of formal education remain to
be elementary and secondary education under the Education Act of 1982. Nowhere
does it speak of middle school or senior high school, as outlined in the K to 12
program," said lawyer Terry Ridon, national president and general counsel of
Kabataan party-list.
He expressed concern that schoolchildren and parents will be forced into an
education program without the imprimatur of Congress.
"The enabling legislation for K to 12 remains lagging in Congress. It has not
yet been passed so we wonder what legal basis does government have to implement
it?" Ridon said.
Ridon said that absent an enabling legislation, parents would be forced into
needless expenses for their children's education.
"What shall become of these schoolchildren if the K to 12 program is rejected
by Congress?" he asked.
"A partial implementation is already a total implementation of the program,
as schoolchildren are now being prepped by government that theirs year of study
will now be twelve instead of ten. Moreover, government is already changing its
entire curriculum in pursuit of K to 12. How can it still not be a total
implementation?" he further stressed.
Ridon said that government should focus first on the shortage of facilities,
teachers and infrastructure in the public education system, as increasing the
number of years of study will only stretch thinly the already limited funding of
public schools.
No fees Meanwhile, Malacañang warned public school officials that no fees are
to be collected from kindergarten to high school.
Presidential deputy spokesman Abigail Valte said that collection of fees like
Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Red Cross, among others, should start in October and
on a voluntary basis. The Constitution is very clear that public elementary and
high schools are free, she stressed.
Valte said that the "Oplan Balik Eskwela" had been reactivated since last
week and late enrollees are still welcome. The Constitution demands that all
children in school age should be in school. She said "Diskwento Caravans" are
still on-going to help parents buy school needs at low prices.
She also clarified the guidelines on the suspension of classes during
typhoons.
"Signal No. 1 means no classes in public and private preschool and
kindergarten classes. Signal No. 2 means automatic suspension of classes in
elementary and high school. Signal No. 3 means no classes in all levels and in
all DepEd offices," Valte said.
If no typhoon signal is announced by the weather bureau, the concerned local
government officials should announce the suspension of classes in their areas.

Security The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday warned local police
ground commanders not to be remiss in securing the premises of schools in their
respective areas.
The warning was issued by PNP chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome
himself on the eve of opening of classes.
One of the alternate spokesmen for the PNP, Senior Supt. Generoso Cerbo Jr.,
said that the PNP chief has issued a directive to their ground commanders in
securing school premises.
"The Chief PNP has ordered all PNP commanders at all levels to personally
supervise on the ground the strict and proper implementation of Balik Eskwela
2012," Cerbo said in a text message to reporters.
The PNP spokesman added that Bartolome will hold concerned police ground
commanders accountable for any security lapses that may occur and that they are
required to submit periodic updates as the PNP national headquarters will
monitor the situation and issue follow-up directives.
"With respect to the opening of classes, the PNP chief is taking no chances
just to ensure the general safety and welfare of our students returning back to
[their] schools," Cerbo said. WITH REPORTS FROM SAMMY
MARTIN, JAIME PILAPIL AND ANTHONY VARGAS
FROM MALAYA
It's all go for schools:K to 12 plan makes pilot study this
year Details Published on Monday, 04 June 2012 01:00 Written by
ASHZEL HACHERO . By A Web design Company
THE Department of Education (DepEd) will be on full alert status
today as classes open for 21.49 million students in more than 45,000 public
schools.
Education Secretary Armin Luistro said the department has made all the
necessary preparations for this year's smooth opening of classes, although the
usual first-day quirks should be expected.
Last year, the enrolment for public schools was 20.48 million.
Luistro said private schools may defer the opening of their classes but they
should notify DepEd. He said classes in private schools must start not later
than Aug. 31.
He assured parents and students that their concerns will be addressed
immediately and efficiently.
The opening of classes will also be marked by the pilot implementation of the
K to12 program in Grades 1 and 7 (first year high school).
Also for the first time, there will be a 1:1 ratio in textbooks and school
desks.
DepEd said it delivered 42,455,126 textbooks or about 66 percent of its
target of 63,385,573 this school year to public schools.
It said 17,123,640 textbooks are set to be delivered until next month.
DepEd said that in school year 2010-11, it hired 25, 450 teachers and will
hire 13,000 more this year.
Luistro said only 771 schools in Metro Manila and other urban areas would
experience overcrowding as DepEd would intensify the Open High School and the
Home Study Program.
The Quezon City Schools Division said it has addressed the overflowing
student population at the Batasan High School, Commonwealth High School, Holy
Spirit National High School, Justice Cecilia Munoz Palma High School and the
Judge Feliciano Belmonte Jr. High School with the Open High School and Home
Study programs.
Based on 2010 data, Quezon City had the largest school-age population with
572,896 students and 72.5 percent were enrolled in the public schools.
In the elementary level, Dr. Betty Cavo, assistant schools division
superintendent, said that the "problem of classroom shortage has also been
addressed."
She said excess enrollees in the Payatas area, particularly in Payatas B
Elementary School and Lupang Pangako Elementary School will be accommodated at
Payatas C Elementary School.
She said two mobile classrooms at President Corazon C. Aquino Elementary
School are ready to be utilized this school year until the completion of a new
four-storey 24-classroom school building.
PNP chief Nicanor Bartolome ordered all police commanders to personally
supervise the implementation of their security plans as part of safety measures
for Balik Eskwela 2012.
"PNP chief Bartolome will hold concerned commanders accountable for any
security lapse," PNP spokesman Senior Supt. Generoso Cerbo said.
Cerbo said PNP is on heightened alert nationwide, except for the forces in
Mindanao and the Special Action Force which remain on full alert.
The Armed Forces said a battalion of soldiers from civil military operation
units will be deployed today in at least 27 elementary and secondary schools in
the NCR.
Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos, military spokesman, said the deployment of the
500 "unarmed" soldiers is in support of the DepEd's "Oplan Balik Eskwela."
The civil military operation units are from the Air Force, Army and Navy, AFP
Civil Relations Group-7th Civil Relations Group, and Air Force Reserve Center.

The soldiers will provide support and manpower to five schools in Manila and
Quezon City, three schools in Pasay City and Taguig City, two schools in
Valenzuela City, Makati City and Malabon City, and one school in Pasig City,
Navotas City, Marikina City, Caloocan City, and Mandaluyong City.
"In remote and interior areas out of NCR where there are no PNP elements, the
AFP will take over as the primary agency for providing security to school
children in coordination with DepEd personnel stationed in those areas," Burgos
said.
NCRPO Director Chief Supt. Alan Purisima said the Manila, Quezon City,
Southern, Northern and Eastern Police Districts are ready to ensure the
students' safety.
He said foot and mobile patrols will be deployed near the vicinities of
schools.
He said assistance and information desks would also be set up.
SUSPENSION OF CLASSES
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the decision to suspend
classes during bad weather would now come from local government units.
"Dati po ang ginagawa magre-report sa DepEd, kukuha po ang DepEd ng report sa
local, tapos ibabalik po sa DepEd, magde-declare in certain areas. Ngayon po
hindi na po ganoon, so local – iyung local government units na po natin," she
said.
Valte said the automatic suspension of classes once the weather bureau
declares a typhoon signal remains in effect.
She said kindergarten classes are suspended under Signal No. 1, elementary
and secondary classes are suspended under Signal No. 2 and classes in all levels
are suspended under Signal No. 3.
She reminded parents that DepEd strictly implements the "no collection
guidelines."
K TO 12 = CHAOS
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) reiterated its opposition to the
pilot implementation of the K to 12 program citing "widespread discontent and
chaos" among stakeholders in the education sector.
"This is a direct result of an ill-prepared and an ill-conceived plan which
we have previously criticized for good reasons," says ACT secretary general
France Castro.
ACT said DepEd should instead hire new teachers, build a sufficient number of
classrooms and sanitation facilities and provide a budget for education not
lower than the six percent of gross domestic product (GDP) mandated by the
United Nations.
ACT insisted the haphazard implementation of the K to 12 program will only
bring chaos.
"The teacher-trainings only brought confusion to our teachers for the Grades
1 and 7 levels. Modules and instructional materials were also not complete," ACT
said.
Some 140,000 Grades 1 and 7 teachers completed training on the new curriculum
under the K to 12 program last Friday.
P20-M SCHOLARSHIP
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) and
Informatics College Eastwood Inc. (ICEI), an IT learning center, have formalized
a memorandum of agreement for a P20-million scholarship for beginners in the IT
industry.
The amount will come from the Tesda Training for Work Scholarship Program and
will be channeled to Informatics for the cost of the training and other related
expenses.
Tesda director general Joel Villanueva said they will tap "non near-hires"
for intensive training to soon make them eligible for employment.
"Non near-hires are individuals with limited or no IT background, as opposed
to "near-hires" who already have the background and skills set in the IT field,"
he explained.
Leonardo A. Riingen, Informatics president and chief executive officer said,
"this is more than a scholarship agreement but also a job generation
partnership."
The scholarship will focus on Web Development and Animation, which IECI will
offer in its 30 schools nationwide in accordance with Tesda-approved training
regulation.
A total of 615 students will benefit from the scholarship program. – With Angela Lopez de Leon, Raymond Africa, Victor Reyes and
Jocelyn Montemayor



Chief News Editor: Sol
Jose Vanzi

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