Some Filipinos urge incoming DepEd chief Sara: No K-12, no historical erasure

On the day Sara Duterte took her oath as incoming Vice President of the Philippines, some Filipinos expressed their hopes for the direction she will take education in the country as the next DepEd Secretary.

In Dano Tingcungco’s report on “24 Oras” Weekend, one father hoped for an end to the K to 12 program, saying it has become an added burden on some parents.

“Tanggalin na ang K to 12 at ibalik sa dati. Mahirap sa pag-aaral ng mga anak namin. Mahaba nanaman ang pagpasok ng mga estudyante. Imbes na konti na lang, madagdagan na naman ng dalawang taon,” he said.

(Remove K to 12 and return to normal. It is difficult for our children to study. Students will stay longer in school because of the additional two years.)

Another Filipino hopes Duterte will ensure that there will be no erasure of history. “Kung ano ‘yung mga nasa libro, kung ano ‘yung mga nasa history, huwag niya sanang gamitin ang posisyon niya para tanggalin o burahin kung ano man ang nangyari sa past natin o history natin. Kasi kailangan maging transparent—mabuti o masama dapat still nandoon pa rin, intact pa rin,” she said.

(What is in the books, what is in history, she should not use her position to delete or erase whatever happened in our past or our history. We need transparency—good or bad, it should all still be there, still intact.)

Duterte has been designated by President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to lead the Department of Education (DepEd) under his administration.

She disclosed that she would focus three issues as Education chief including effect of the pandemic on learners, the full implementation of face-to-face classes, and thorough discussion on the K to 12 program.

Earlier this month, her camp disputed a quote card circulating online claiming Duterte made a statement about the proposed amendments to the K to 12 program, the ROTC, and mandatory military service.

Outgoing Education Secretary Leonor Briones earlier congratulated the Vice President-elect, saying that she anticipates turning over the leadership of DepEd.

“I look forward to turning over to you the leadership of DepEd. That the department will be concurrently led by no less that the Vice President speaks to the highest priority that education will be given under the incoming administration,” Briones said.

On Sunday, Duterte took her oath as the 15th Vice President of the Philippines during a ceremony held at San Pedro Square in Davao City. — BM, GMA News