Luistro hoping Duterte regime will continue K-12 program

Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Armin Luistro said Tuesday he was hoping the next administration will continue the K-12 program as the agency launches its senior high school program this coming school year.

"Nandoon na tayo sa huling yugto eh. Nagsimula na tayo sa senior high school. Pagbaba namin two weeks old pa lang ang Grade 11," Luistro said after his post-election briefing.

Luistro said the department delegated the implementation of the senior high school program, including budget and decision-making, down to the school principals and superintendents since the incoming administration won't be able to understand the program with just one month into office.

"Ang ginawa namin, yung mga principals and superintendents namin, sinabi namin na sila na talaga ang mag-implement niyan. Don't expect that the new (administration) will be able to understand that in the first month," he said.

Luistro added that unlike his meeting with his predecessor that took place a day after taking office in 2010, he said he wanted to get in touch with the incoming education secretary at least 30 days before the new administration takes over.

Luistro said the transition period would allow the next secretary to grasp the major DepEd programs that need follow-up and more improvement.

"Mayroon tayong bagong programa na senior high school, sana maipasa namin doon sa susunod na executive team ang mga kailangan pang sundan at i-improve," Luistro said.

Meanwhile, Luistro considered the K-12 program as his greatest accomplishment since DepEd implemented the curriculum despite criticisms from different sectors.

"Palagay ko naman sa nakalipas na anim na taon, naipakita ng buong kagawaran na puwede pala, kaya pala ng Pilipino pag sinabi natin na gagawin natin tong programa na itong K-12," Luistro said.

"Kailangan na lang niyan yung tamang panahon para matapos. Palagay ko napatunayan ng DepEd na kaya pala ang malawakan at malalim na reporma sa pagtutulungan, kahit may criticism," Luistro added. —NB, GMA News