Business groups urge gov't to address concerns over K to 12

Business groups supporting the K to 12 program urged the government to proactively address, through continued dialogue with stakeholders, the public's concerns over the implementation of education reforms.

 

Like any systemic reform, the K to 12 initiative continues to face implementation challenges such as the potential displacement of tertiary faculty and staff during the 2012 to 2016 transition phase, groups said at a press briefing on Friday.

Among those present were the Philippine Business for Education (PBED),Makati Business Club, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Employers Confederation of the Philippines, Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines, American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Australia-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, and the Management Association of the Philippines.

 

They noted fears over the possible closure of higher education institutions, particularly small colleges due to significant revenue loses, and the perception that government is not fully prepared to meet the logistics under the law involving faculty and staff, facilities and equipment, and learning materials.

 

“We do agree that there are difficulties... but despite that... the impact of K to 12 on our youth are so great that we should do it despite all these challenges. We should deal with these challenges instead of delaying the implementation of the program,” said Dr. Chito Salazar of PBED.

 

“The government should do something. The solution is not throwing out K to 12 but finding a solution. There is still time,” he added.

 

The groups called on the Commission on Higher Education and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to clearly outline the criteria for unemployment over the diminution benefits of the affected education personnel and devise packages supporting the development of post-secondary institutions during the transition period.

 

They asked the Department of Labor and Employment to facilitate the redeployment of affected education personnel and to investigate reports of labor abuses being committed during the transition period.

 

They also urged the Department of Education to expedite the preparations for the implementation of the K to 12 law and to provide regular and updated reports to concerned sectors and to the public. — VS/JDS, GMA News