Marcos says K to 12 program failed, up to Congress whether to scrap it

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., on Wednesday said the K to 12 program has failed to produce work-ready senior high school graduates, as the Philippines rolls out the pilot of a revised curriculum for school year 2025-2026.

- By Chloe Mari A. Hufana and Adrian H. Halili Reporters

In a video posted on his social media accounts, Mr. Marcos said the program, which started more than a decade ago, has failed to provide any real advantage to graduates.

“It’s costing parents more because two additional years were added,” he told News5 at One PH. “They still have to pay for enrollment, buy alot of school supplies, purchase books — everything.”

“Yet after 10 years, there’s no real advantage,” he added.

He echoed the frustrations voiced by lawmakers who are calling for the abolition of the mandatory senior high school system under the K to 12 program.

The President said the decision to amend or repeal the K to 12 law rests with Congress.

Employers still prefer college degree holders over K to 12 graduates, said Maria Ella Calaor-Oplas, an economics professor at De La Salle University in Manila.

“There is still preference for degrees, even if it’s not necessary and could be done by K to 12 graduates,” she said in a Facebook Messenger chat. “Senior high school graduates are ready if job opportunities for them are available.”

The Department of Education (DepEd) is rolling out the pilot of a revised K to 12 curriculum this school year that updated the senior high school program.