BACOLOD CITY – The Sangguniang Panlungsod has adopted a resolution urging the Senate and House of Representatives, through Bacolod Rep. Albee Benitez, to revisit the K to 12 program and push for a more effective, inclusive curriculum that better promotes learning, employability, and equitable access to education.

Authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito, the resolution reflects mounting concerns over the K to 12 system—introduced via Republic Act No. 10533 in 2013—and its perceived failure to fulfill its core objectives, particularly preparing students for global competitiveness and immediate employment after senior high school.

“After more than 10 years, the program has shown no substantial improvement in education quality or job readiness,” Distrito said. “Instead, it has imposed heavier financial burdens on families, especially those in low-income sectors,” he added.

The resolution points to the Philippines’ low rankings in international assessments such as the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), the increasing dropout rates attributed to the extended two-year senior high school, and the labor market’s ongoing preference for college graduates – making the senior high diploma less practical or marketable.

The move also aligns with recent statements by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who called for a comprehensive review of the K to 12 curriculum amid widespread public dissatisfaction.

Many sectors – including educators, parents, and students – have advocated for a return to the 10-year basic education cycle, with a stronger focus on foundational competencies, teacher training, and systemic reforms.

“We hope Congress will take this appeal seriously,” Distrito said, affirming the City Council’s commitment to any legislative initiative aimed at making basic education more relevant, accessible, and affordable for all Filipinos.