Since its introduction in Philippine education, the K-12 system has had supporters and doubters. Some argue that the additional years in senior high school constitute a financial burden, while others believe the extra years lead to better employability.
The early batches of college students under the K-12 program have graduated. Though they have joined the work force, it is still too early to fully understand the long-term effects of this move.
The 2025 summa cum laude graduates from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde give opinions on whether or not K-12 and senior high school are necessary in the lead-up to college.
Christian Nazarene D. Magcawas, BS-Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management
Today, the K-12 program is a crucial foundation for many, as many still cannot afford college, even with state universities and colleges. K-12 offers a platform for them to learn general-education subjects, and teaches 21st-century skills to solve 21st-century problems. These things primarily taught early on in college will prepare them for employment. As some of us wish to move overseas, K-12 will help us be globally competitive as our education conforms with the number of years taken for schooling globally. It is really more about making you lifeproof against whatever circumstance life may give you, both domestically and globally.
Kaila Arianna S. Edillon, BS-IHM
Kaila Arianna S. Edillon, BS-International Hospitality Management
I found the implementation of strands to be helpful, as it gave me the choice to study subjects that I was actually interested in. But because I chose a non-STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) strand, I knew that I would have to put in double the effort to study for college entrance examinations because the standard for tests would still be STEM-focused topics. The K-12 system has helped some students have a better understanding of what path they wish to pursue. However, a lot of changes still need to be made to the entire education system and the transition between secondary and tertiary education.
Liezl Anne S. Nierves, BS-IHM
Liezl Anne S. Nierves, BS-International Hospitality Management
When the program was launched, it had good intentions, yet there are still bottlenecks in the system. Although it is continuously improving, I do not see the necessity of making it mandatory. Instead, I would suggest making improvements to the current curriculum that would enhance not only our technical knowledge but also basic everyday life skills.
Keith Nathan R. Orseo, BS-IHM
Keith Nathan R. Orseo, BS-International Hospitality Management
As much as the Philippines’ education crisis is adding pressure on the K-12 system’s purpose, abolishing it should not even be an option; reform it instead. Education in the country is already underfunded as it is, but eliminating the senior high school system may further weaken the global education performance of the Philippines. Abolishing it may seem like a quick solution, yet it is merely a disguise with anti-poor implications that may put the country in an even worse state. Ultimately, this crisis remains a battle of accessibility, where education should be a basic right, not a privilege.
Justine Emery B. de Mesa, BS-IHM
Justine Emery B. de Mesa, BS-International Hospitality Management
Whether or not K–12—or two extra years of secondary school—is needed shouldn’t be the question. What should be asked is if the system imposed or planned has been, is, or will be effective—consistent in standards, adaptive to different personalities and learning styles, and guided by closely observed success indicators. Education should produce functional, socially responsible citizens, with the right to such education achieved without hindrance. Have K–12 graduates been employed, accepted into scholarships? Has the system closed the gap of the past system or has it just restructured it? I hope we improve through an a posteriori perspective—dynamic, closely monitored, and without the need to compromise consistency.
