‘Many public schools lack K to 12 readiness’

VIGAN, Ilocos Sur, Philippines – The K to 12 program is facing difficulties such as lack of classrooms and other necessities, Rep. Terry Ridon of the Kabataan Party-list said.

Book shortage, insufficient budget, curriculum issues and the lack of overall readiness of the government to fully implement the program have not yet been solved, Ridon said on the sidelines of the Kannawidan festival 2016, a month-long celebration of heritage in the province.

“Students will have to enroll in private schools and universities that offer senior high school if the slots allotted in public schools are filled. Where will the millions of students in public schools go if they cannot afford to enroll in private schools because of expensive tuition?” Ridon asked.

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers said that an estimated 56,771 out of 111,351 teachers and 22,838 non-teaching staff will be displaced when K to 12 is fully implemented.