Senator Alan Cayetano Urges Gov't To Address Laco Of Resources For K-12 Program
Senator Alan Cayetano. Photo courtesy of Senate PH
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano has once again urged the government to address the shortage of educational resources and inadequate school infrastructure in the country, particularly in relation to the K-to-12 Education Program.
During a Facebook livestream on May 25, 2023, Cayetano highlighted the pressing issue of limited study time in the K-12 curriculum and the lack of essential resources, including classrooms and facilities. He expressed his hope for a meaningful discussion and resolution of these problems.
The senator made these remars while visiting the Senator Renato Compañero Cayetano Memorial Science and Technology High School in Taguig. Notably, Cayetano was one of only two senators who opposed the K-to-12 program during its deliberations in 2012. Over time, he has voiced his disappointment with the program's failure to fulfill its promises.
Cayetano pointed out the unfulfilled commitments made to students, saying, "We were promised that if you go to a school with a sports track, there would be an oval, gym, equipment, coaches, and swimming pool. And if you go to a technical-vocational institution, there would be a garage, testing equipment, motorcycles, and competent professors."
Emphasizing the importance of quality and accessible education for Filipinos, Cayetano stated, "We owe it to the future generations to give our children the best possible opportunities, and we can do that by giving them quality education accessible to all."
The senator commended the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), which was established last year to reassess the country's education system in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He acknowledged their efforts in searching for solutions to the existing problems.
Cayetano's stance on education aligns with the deep-rooted belief of his late father, Senator Rene Cayetano, in the transformative power of education. Their collaborative efforts were instrumental in the establishment of the Senator Renato Compañero Cayetano Memorial Science and Technology High School.
Cayetano recounted his father's experiences, saying, "When he was young, people would often tell him that if you're not born into wealth or if you don't have significant capital or a business, you're limited in what you can achieve. But Tatay [Father] never accepted that."
As the senator continues to advocate for educational reform, many are hopeful that his calls for action will lead to meaningful changes that benefit all Filipino students and pave the way for a brighter future.