CURRICULUM CHANGE

The K-12 curriculum has been rolling through its ups and downs since its implementation last 2010.

With the new plans to revise and develop the curriculum, a storm brews as unclear, and inadequate revisions fill the air.

During the release of the Basic Education Report (BER) for 2023, VP-Secretary Sara Z. Duterte introduced the Department of Education's (DepEd) new battle cry, "MATATAG: Bansang Makabata, Batang Makabansa," and presented its four components. These components include enhancing the curriculum by prioritizing foundational skills and integrating peace competencies, constructing more durable schools and classrooms, fortifying inclusive education programs, promoting additional benefits for teachers, and offering professional develoment programs, among other initiatives.

Because of this, the topic of curriculum revision being opened reached the public ears due to the mixed reactions from teachers, students, and parents toward the current K12 program's implementation.

Although Duterte did not mention the possible revision, she promised to build and improve the quality of education to address the insufficiencies and make significant changes.

"We will rally for an improved learning system in the country. Together, we will rally for every Filipino child. Para sa isang MATATAG na Bayan. Para sa ating mahal na Pilipinas," she emphasized.

The current K12 curriculum faces several significant challenges, including an overcrowded curriculum, excessive subjects, teachers handling subject areas in which they need to be more specialized, and an unfavorable learning environment.

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

Good day!

This is my first time writing to a school publication, so I want to make this a notable experience.

As a concerned student, I believe that bullying in schools can have negative effects on students' mental health and academic performance. While it's important for students to share their concerns, some may feel hesitant to do so in person with teachers.

To address this issue, I suggest creating a "Comfort Zone" Facebook page where students can freely share their thoughts and experiences with bullying. This page could provide comfort and support to victims, while also allowing school authorities to intervene and address the issue before it escalates.

Folding the Diploma Mentality Away

MICAH SUNGA Head Columnist

"So, what are your plans after graduation?" Ms. Deli asked as her eyes wandered around the room. Her question startled me, waking me from daydreaming. I have never really thought of my future as I am still torn between going to college or finding a job after graduating senior high school. Going to college requires a lot of time, effort, and money. On the other hand, finding a job will be difficult as not so many companies allow or want senior high graduates as their employees. Moreover, a diploma is what parents desire their children to have – a symbol of their pride in their successful seedling. When the K-12 program was launched in 2013, one of its promised objectives was to make grades 11 and 12 learners to be well-ready and employable without seeking a higher level of education (college).

Thus, after a long wait, the appeal "hire K-12 graduates" was made by Vice President Sara Duterte.

Teachers are concerned about removing Mother Tongue and MAPEH subjects, which enhance early learners' appreciation of culture and language comprehension. To ensure a well-rounded education, integrate these concepts and skills into literacy and numeracy lessons, emphasizing literacy and numeracy skills while also incorporating cultural and artistic appreciation.

Moreover, removing teachers for affected subjects may cause job loss and lower employment rates. Retraining programs or alternative job opportunities can help mitigate this impact, allowing them to continue contributing to education. Partnerships, financial support, and programs can assist with transitioning into new roles or acquiring new skills for different industries.

Also, school infrastructure in disaster-prone areas needs attention. A proposed budget of almost 15 billion pesos aims to build 6,000 infrastructures for 50,000 schools nationwide, but funding may only cover some repairs. Alternative funding sources like public-private partnerships and international aid can be explored. Repairing schools in high-risk areas and involving local communities in maintenance are priorities. Improving the quality of education in the Philippines is a continuous effort. Though the proposed curriculum revision sounded commendable and hopeful as it geared toward improving the quality of Philippine education.

We must remember to hear the voices of the concerned people affected by these changes. After all, it is a collective effort for all sectors to work together toward providing accessible, quality, and resilient education for all Filipino learners.

In fact, to address this issue, she stated that DepEd’s efforts to make senior high students skill-ready and employable have always been consistent and unwavering. K12 graduates are on the move to break the "diploma mentality."

Though companies indeed prefer and require their employees to be college degree holders leaving behind K12 graduates.

This is because having a diploma had a noble account, where people, in general, think of it as proof of one’s capability and intelligence. This "diploma mentality" well describes the Filipino obsession with obtaining a diploma.

Being a college degree holder, in fact, gives its holder a great opportunity. To be a diploma holder is to be never underappreciated and is seen to be "employable".

This is due to the higher education they have attained.

Wherein, despite the long wait, and the countless effort and money put into college, what awaits everyone is a great achievement, a great opportunity, and a great future. The true meaning of 'hard work comes to a victory'. Creating a path of equality, consideration, and understanding, is a path to a better future. College graduates are employable and K-12 graduates. Though they may not be on the same level or degree of education, both are well-ready to respond to the needs of the society and are skilled to serve the humanity. Hence, to be called and seen as 'job-ready' could have been thrilling for many grad-waiting Grade 12 learners like me.

Response from the Editor

My main point here is to let them (students) feel comfortable and worry less by acting about the bullying cases. This will also help us promote our school. Parents want the best for their children, and we should let them realize that Amucao High School is a safe school. Hoping you can bring this matter to light.

Dear Ms. Byuwillow,

Thank you for your letter. We appreciate your concern and are reviewing your suggestion "Comfort Zone" Facebook page for potential bullying. We take your concerns about bullying very seriously and are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all students. In addition to the programs and seminars already in place, we are also exploring alternative means to address bullying cases in our school.

One possible approach is to implement a "zero-tolerance" policy towards bullying. This means that any form of bullying, whether physical, verbal, or online, will not be tolerated and will be met with appropriate consequences. This policy is in line with the Republic Act 10627 or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, which mandates all schools in the Philippines to establish measures to prevent and address bullying cases. Another is to encourage students to speak up and report bullying incidents to a trusted teacher or school authority figure.

The Department of Education also released a Child Protection Policy (DO 40, s. 2012) which requires all schools to establish a Child Protection Committee to ensure the safety and well-being of students.

Thank you for your valuable input, which we will consider as we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment at our school. We appreciate your letter and welcome any future suggestions or concerns you may have.

Sincerely,

Avril Reign M. Linsangan Editor-in-Chief of The Liberty

PH History is Everyone’s Story

AVRIL REIGN LINSANGAN Editor-in-Chief

We learned about our country’s rich Filipino history within the four corners of the classroom. Through subjects such as Sibika (or HeKaSi) or Araling Panlipunan (AP), symbols of our heritage and culture such as sampaguita as the national flower and Jose Rizal as our national hero were embedded in our hearts.

However, the removal of Philippine History as a subject in the reformed High School K-12 curriculum has brought into the limelight the existing lacking part of Filipinos’ wakefulness about our own culture. The subject was removed from the high school curriculum through Department of Education (DepEd) Order 20 issued by DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro to cut the first turf for the implementation of the K-12 program.

In my grade school years, I remembered history classes because of the fun that the acquired knowledge can produce. I recall the times that I used to brag because I’ve memorized the Philippines Heroes, Philippine Presidents and I know who the GomBurZa are (Fathers who were executed by the Spaniards) etc.

Based on my experience, the significance of Philippine History as a subject has everything to do with the importance of the teacher and the classroom as this is where most students breed their awareness of the sovereign’s history. Hence, it is important that students should be given the opportunity to explore and reflect on the stories and ideals of the nation’s founding.

Many history teachers and professors said, under this new policy, students only learn Philippine History during Grades 5 and 6. Nothing else is taught after until seven years later when they enter college if they continue their studies. This abandons students with very minimal understanding of basic historical concepts and the significance of these events to our daily lives and future, which further limits the capability of many Filipinos to make their own research about our own culture, appreciate and emulate our national heroes and criticize the sins of the past.

Senator Robin Padilla is seeking to bring Philippine history back into the high school curriculum, saying the Filipino youth needed to know the country’s historical roots and cultural heritage. Padilla also said that it will help the youth in shaping the country and its people. "While supporters of this revised curriculum claim that the 'discussion of events on the country's history is naturally integrated into several subjects,' this representation is of the firm belief that there must be an independent and definitive subject that comprehensively focuses on the study of our nation's own history," Padilla said.

I could not agree more with this measure, why? I know for a fact that bringing Philippine History back to basic education will help youth like us to deeply understand our roots, strong historical tradition, and our identity as a nation and it will revive our sense of patriotism. Fortunately, schools like Amucao NHS still show value to history as we celebrate “Buwan ng Kasaysayan” and student organizations facilitated history-related activities to keep history afloat and not a closed book. Indeed, we cannot spare the price of new generations of Filipinos not being able to understand the history of our country. Let Philippine History back not just in the lessons but in the consciousness of the Filipino youth.

De-PEN-ders of Freedom

JERCY MATIAS Asscociate Editor

Campus journalism is an essential component of education that allows students to develop their skills and become critical thinkers. The Campus Journalism Act of 1991 ensures that students are given the freedom to express themselves and develop their skills in journalism. Through joining contests and writing for the school newspaper, learners can showcase their skills and hone their craft.

Campus journalism also exercises the freedom of the press and freedom of speech by giving students a platform to express their views and report on events. It is through student journalism that voices can be heard, and critical issues can be addressed. Fighting against fake news is a significant challenge that campus journalists face. However, spreading facts and engaging in counter-speech can be a powerful tool in combating misinformation.

As a participant in the Division Press Conference, I realized the importance of journalism in informing society. Journalism serves the critical purpose

THE SEEKER’S FORUM

From Tug-of-War to Tag Team

RANNA PRECIOUS EGUNA News Editor

As we celebrate our safe return to school in the new normal era, face-to-face classes are available again, and it can lessen the student's stress and benefit their mental health.

When we switched to modular and online learning methods, some students found the modular modality challenging to understand. At the same time, teachers must guide the students in understanding complex lessons, leading to mental health issues such as overthinking and anxiety. So, the learning process became more stressful, causing more harm than good.

For many students, this is a much-awaited opportunity to resume studying with their classmates and teachers in a traditional classroom setting. Face-to-face classes can alleviate students' stress and improve their mental health. It can also foster a sense of community among students, reducing isolation.

Hence, having a study partner is essential to care for our mental health in face-to-face classes. Instead of having a tug-of-war sort of competition. Why don't we buddy up for better grades and good vibes?

Students would have study partners who can be their classmates or friends at school. By that, they will not think that they are alone and will have fun studying together, especially when there are many of them.

Having a companion to learn with can significantly impact students' performance. Study partners can help students understand complex topics and provide emotional support. Teachers can also guide and support students throughout the learning process, ensuring each student receives the necessary attention to thrive.

While the world evolves, we must adapt and seize available opportunities. It is also essential to prioritize our mental and physical health, especially during these uncertain times. Having a companion and communicating with our teachers will make the lessons easier to understand. Through these, students' health can improve, especially their mental health.

Wired Thoughts

An Entreaty to See the Unseen

The nationalist creed “Panatang Makabayan” that all of the school children are to memorize and recite every day at school has recently gained the attention of many because of a change in one single word, “nagdarasal” to “nananalangin”.

of providing people with current and meaningful news and information. In a world where misinformation is prevalent, journalism plays a crucial role in providing accurate and reliable information. In conclusion, campus journalism is a valuable tool for educating students and developing their skills in journalism. It also serves a crucial role in promoting freedom of speech and the press. As we continue to face challenges in fighting against fake news, campus journalism remains a powerful force in providing people with accurate and reliable information. It is a vital aspect of education that must be protected and nurtured. As one of the journalists, I am one of the de-PEN-ders of press freedom.

DepEd issued the order which was signed by Vice President and Secretary of Education Sarah Duterte on February 14, 2023, saying that various organizations were consulted regarding the change that led to the decision, analogously with the recommendations of various experts and linguists. The rationality behind the change according to DepEd officials, was to make it more solemn and inclusive of all religions as it is more spiritual and universal.

I believe in the saying that “Change is the only constant in life” as Heraclitus quoted. We can never avoid it, and often times we deal with it differently. The question is, is this really the change that Filipino students need right now?

Many Filipinos online questioned the shift, citing many other pressing issues that DepEd should prioritize - such as learning crisis, underreported bullying, lack of classrooms, and lack of support for teachers. Resolutions for all of this though is all work in progress other people just don’t know that DepEd has existing programs and action plan to address these issues.

The difference between this revision of the patriotic oath and the resolution of the issues cited above is time. Amendment to Panatang Makabayan may have been done earlier, but we must trust the process and know that the existing issues are being addressed. Knowing that the Department of Education is implementing different programs right-fitted to different pressing issues is a relief.

What about the underlying concerns? That may not have reached the attention of the department, such as students’ sexual orientation or their right to come out for self-identity. Students may have their own preferred pronouns; don’t you think that is something we also need to pay attention to? How about the school canteen, are we confident that the food being served is applicable to all? We have a diversity of races and religions in every school. It would be nice if these things are also considered and recognized to inculcate equality.

To be reminded of patriotism as a Filipino feels reassuring, at least we know that DepEd is also heedful about our sense of Filipinism. Through this, we may also open our eyes, mind, and heart about lurking matters that are relevant and timely to support equity for the foreseeable future.

“To be reminded of patriotism as a Filipino feels reassuring”