Kabataan ang Pag-asa ng Bayan: The role of K-12 Curriculum in
strengthening the quality of education in the Philippines
One of the top priorities of the Philippines government has always been the education of
Filipinos, with a particular emphasis on ensuring quality education in the country. In a historic moment
for advocates of educational equality, former President Benigno Aquino III implemented the K-12
curriculum which includes kindergarten and 12 years of basic education as stated in Republic Act ( RA )
10533, signed on May 15, 2013. But in August of this year, the Matatag Curriculum was officially
launched. It is expected to decongest our present curriculum which aims to produce competent, job-
ready, active, responsible, and patriotic Filipinos. Although it is not implemented yet, the benefits of this
curriculum are already seen. It is an undeniable fact that the K-12 curriculum has been implemented
nationwide in the Philippines for a considerable amount of time, and as a result, the students have
undoubtedly adapted to it. The K-12 education system plays a crucial role in shaping the future of
students, both academically and personally. It is a vital foundation that empowers students with
essential knowledge, skills, and values necessary to succeed in life.
The K to 12 curriculum, which added Kindergarten, grades 11 and 12 to basic education in the
Philippines, has several advantages over the 10-year Matatag curriculum. While the Matatag curriculum
focused primarily on memorization and rote learning, K to 12 aims to develop critical thinking, problem-
solving, collaboration, and innovation skills to prepare students for the 21st century (Tan, 2017). This
short 10-year cycle of the Matatag curriculum is one of its main weaknesses. This was not enough time
to master essential concepts, resulting in poor academic performance in areas like math and science
compared to other countries (David, 2011). The limited time available was insufficient to fully grasp
crucial concepts, leading to unsatisfactory academic results.
According to a World Bank study, the two added years under K to 12 significantly improve
student achievement and narrow skill gaps (World Bank, 2012). Graduates will be better equipped for
higher education and global workplaces. In addition to more time for learning, The K to 12 education
system adopts a more comprehensive and well-rounded approach that covers a wider range of
disciplines. Subjects like music, arts, and sports are lacking in Matatag but are core parts of K to 12. This
produces more holistic learning and allows students to discover and develop their interests and talents
(Luz, 2015). It is unequivocally evident that a well-rounded education inevitably leads to highly engaged
and self-motivated students because the institution offers academic tracks tailored to students' college
majors or career interests.
The senior high school component of K to 12 provides specialization through academic tracks
related to students' desired college courses or occupations. This specialization helps graduates secure
jobs or transition smoothly into higher education, unlike the generalized Matatag curriculum (Tan,
2017). While the transition did require large upfront costs, studies show this investment pays off long-
term through a more productive workforce. (Orbeta & Esguerra, 2019). Additionally, investing in
education can help reduce dropout rates, which can have a significant impact on individuals and
communities. By providing students with the support they need to succeed, such as tutoring,
mentorship, and resources like textbooks and technology, we can help ensure that they stay engaged
and motivated throughout their academic journey. This can lead to higher graduation rates and better
outcomes for students, which can have a positive ripple effect throughout their employment and career
journey.
On employability skills, the COVID disruptions may have slowed progress, but recent surveys
show over 90% of employers are satisfied with K to 12 graduates (BusinessMirror, 2022). Additionally, K
to 12 was developed by experts to meet international standards. Transitioning into the new Matatag
curriculum risks students falling behind global peers. All the hard work and resources invested over the
years would be futile. Studies by development groups like the Philippine Institute for Development
Studies (PIDS) estimate the long-term economic benefits to be 5-6 times the initial costs. K to 12 is
projected to grow the economy by 2.5%, and lower high school dropout rates from 16% to 3% through
senior high school specialization (Orbeta & Esguerra, 2019). Critics make reasonable points, but
reverting to a 10-year educational program risks losing years of effort and investments while other
nations move forward. K to 12 must continue enhancing quality to reap benefits. As leading education
thinker Kohlberg states, "Moral education is the enterprise of intentionally making education moral”
(Kohlberg, 1980). Having patience through difficult reforms is moral and ethical.
The K-12 education system plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of students by providing
them with a solid foundation of essential knowledge, skills, and values necessary for academic and
personal growth, making it a critical component of their success in life. This system provides a solid
foundation for students from kindergarten to grade 12, helping them develop the skills and knowledge
they need to thrive in their future careers and personal endeavors.
