CRITIQUE PAPER

Title
K to 12 program not being scrapped, DepEd clarifies

Overview
This article clarifies that the issue stating that K to 12 program will be remove of the
curriculum is not true. According to DepEd, the issue was solely based on misinformation
and lack of discernment. Instead, the truth behind the story is the plan of Commision on
Higher Education to review and change the system of K to 12 transition program. This
plan by CHED was wrongly interpreted by the public and the commission's employees.
As stated by DepEd, the main curriculum and transition program is different from one
another. It is also explained that the implementation of K to 12 program can only be
repealed by the Senate and House of Representative. DepEd also added that the
implementation of K to 12 has seen numerous gains qmidst challenges. The educational
system implemented in 2011 still has the support of the government because the program
is a prompt necessity.

Author's Background
Gaea Katreena Cabico is an online writer at Philstar Global Corporation. Originally,
she is from Lupao, Nueva Ecija but now she lives in Manila due to the demand of her
work. As an author, she had written a total of roughly around a thousand of articles. Her
forte in writing is mainly on social issues and recent topics. This type of writing suit the
kind topic that we chose which is the social issue on K to 12 program. She graduated her
college in the University of the Philippines. Based on our research, she had already won
the Philippine Quill Awards which is the country's most prestigious awards program in the
field of business communication.

Review
Recently, the issue that K to 12 program will be removed of the curriculum had
been circulating in the public for quite a long time. This issue created confusions among
parents and students which might interfered with their decisions. In, our own opinion, the
release of article is timely because with the aid of the article the queries of confused
people will be answered. The article is also comprehensive because it explains the reason
why the misinterpreted information turned into fake news.
The article mainly explains that the K to 12 program is different with its own
transition program which created confusion among the public. As cited in R. A. 10533,
the K to 12 shall have proper transitory programs by the year 2021-2022. In addition, the
article also presented statements from the DepEd clarifying that only the Senate and
House of Representatives can only repeal the curriculum. According to R.A. 10533 or the
Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, revisions and the act of repealing this law shall be done
accordingly. Lastly, the article showed that the program undergoes public consultation and
that it is a prompt neccessity in our ever changing world.
As a 21st century learner, the article clears the confusion and fear in my mind.
After reading the article, we regain our trust and confidence that the curriculum is truly
vital with our success. The article also made it clear that the additional two years in high
school will not go to waste. Because it is properly planned and that the lessons
incorporated with the program will help us prepare for the college. Based on our
experience, the K to 12 program teaches the probable basic courses for college. It is also
good that students can get to choose a strand that is aligned to his/ her preferred course.
The article is written to clarify the issue regarding the removal of K to 12
program which is misinterpreted. It is good that the article is written because it clears all
the wrong information that has been disseminated. In addition, article such as this
highlights and explains the program of the government which is good for the public. We
just think that it is better if the article was released earlier before the people got confused
with the K to 12 issues. Otherwise the article is structure and content efficient.
K to 12 program not being
scrapped, DepEd clarifies
MANILA, Philippines (Updated 7:31 p.m.) —
The implementation of the K to 12 program is
not being discontinued, the Department of
Education stressed Monday amid claims
circulating online that the curriculum will be
scrapped.
10533 or the “Enhanced Basic Education Act
of 2013.” Hence, the implementation,
amendment or repeal of the program is within
the scope of the Senate and the House of
Representatives.
“Therefore, DepEd, as an executive arm of the
government, cannot arbitrarily discontinue the
program,” the department said.
‘Prompt necessity’

“Sentiments and questions on social media
pertaining to the supposed plan to scrap the K
to 12 Education Program are clearly based on
misinformation and lack of critical
discernment,” DepEd said in a statement.
DepEd called on the public to consult the
agency’s website and social media accounts
before spreading rumors that may influence the
opinion, decision or action of learners.
DepEd said the basic education reform
program that added two years to secondary
education in the country has seen “numerous
gains” despite challenges.
“Nevertheless, the department maintains its
stand that the K to 12 program is a prompt
necessity that pushing it back might prove
detrimental to the accelerating and increasing
demands on education,” DepEd said.

The department noted the claims came after
news of the Commission on Higher Education’s
plan to review and change the system for its K
to 12 transition program—a five-year effort
aimed at the development of higher education
institutions and personnel from 2016 to 2021—
was wrongly interpreted to mean the
implementation of the entire K to 12 program.
“These two are not one and the same,” DepEd
said.
It also explained the implementation of the K to
12 program is mandated under Republic Act
References
It added: “The challenges still abound but the
support of the national and local government
and of stakeholders in the private sector and
the community, has been overwhelming that it
silences doubts and strengthens the resolve to
move forward with change today.”
In 2018, the Supreme Court affirmed the
constitutionality of the K to 12 program, noting
it went through public consultations.
DepEd started the implementation of the K to
12 educational system in 2011.

Cabico, G.C. (2019). K to 12 program not being scrapped, DepEd clarifies. Philstar. Retrieved
July 22, 2019 from https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/05/20/1919434/k-
12-program-not-being-scrapped-deped-clarifies#JbUjDcxMl4MoiWHA.99

Villanueva, E.J.J. (2013). Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Enhanced Basic
Education Act of 2013. Official Gazette. Retrieved July 30, 2019 from
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2013/09/04/irr-republic-act-no-10533/