A teachers’ group has expressed support for Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada’s proposal to eliminate the mandatory Senior High School (SHS) level in the K-12 program.
Alliance of Concerned Teachers Chairperson Vladimir Quetua stated in an interview with Bombo Radyo Legazpi that they have long called for the repeal of the K-12 curriculum, arguing that it has failed to fulfill its three primary objectives: employment, entrepreneurship, and college readiness.
Quetua emphasized that any curriculum changes should benefit the education sector but also require careful consideration of the fate of senior high school teachers if the program is abolished.
Despite the lack of consultation on the matter, he insisted that the curriculum should serve students and contribute to national development.
The official noted that the senator’s proposal might face delays due to the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte and the passage of budget proposals.
He stressed that Senate discussions should include details on which curriculum components would be replaced, which subjects should be removed or added, and where teachers would be reassigned if the proposal is implemented.
Quetua also speculated that there might be a hidden agenda behind the issue but urged the senator not to divert attention from the impeachment proceedings related to alleged corruption by VP Sara during her tenure as Education Secretary.
He called on teachers and students to support their initiative to engage with the Department of Education to address educators’ concerns and needs.