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Advocates Philippines
The K-12 Program Continues, CHED Clarifies
Screengrab from CHED
In a press conference held earlier today, CHED Chairman Popoy De Vera reiterated the ongoing status of the K to 12 Program, debunking rumors of its abolishment. The chairman emphasized that the program remains in force under Republic Act 10533 (Enhanced Basic Education Act).
The recent CHED Memo, he clarified, aims to address legal gaps specifically related to the offering of senior high school by State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs).
De Vera dismissed misconceptions surrounding the memo, assuring the public that the K to 12 program will persist in accordance with the existing legal framework provided by Republic Act 10533. He highlighted that the memo primarily responds to the absence of a legal basis for SUCs and LUCs to offer senior high school, particularly after the conclusion of the transition period.
With the current academic year (2023-2024) still underway, De Vera pointed out that there will be no immediate impact on students. He clarified that the process of phasing out senior high school offerings in public universities has been ongoing for three years.
According to De Vera, the only legal basis for SUCs and LUCs to offer senior high school was during the transition period, which officially ended in 2021. The CHED Memo now instructs SUC and LUC Presidents to consult their boards on how to proceed, taking into account the absence of a legal basis, the Department of Education's expansion of facilities for senior high, and the decision to cease providing vouchers.
Acknowledging the 17,000 senior high school students affected by the memo, De Vera expressed CHED's commitment to monitoring the situation closely and finding viable solutions.
The agency is currently engaged in discussions with select SUC and LUC Presidents and other education stakeholders to explore options for senior high school in the upcoming academic years.
The recent CHED Memo, he clarified, aims to address legal gaps specifically related to the offering of senior high school by State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs).
De Vera dismissed misconceptions surrounding the memo, assuring the public that the K to 12 program will persist in accordance with the existing legal framework provided by Republic Act 10533. He highlighted that the memo primarily responds to the absence of a legal basis for SUCs and LUCs to offer senior high school, particularly after the conclusion of the transition period.
With the current academic year (2023-2024) still underway, De Vera pointed out that there will be no immediate impact on students. He clarified that the process of phasing out senior high school offerings in public universities has been ongoing for three years.
According to De Vera, the only legal basis for SUCs and LUCs to offer senior high school was during the transition period, which officially ended in 2021. The CHED Memo now instructs SUC and LUC Presidents to consult their boards on how to proceed, taking into account the absence of a legal basis, the Department of Education's expansion of facilities for senior high, and the decision to cease providing vouchers.
Acknowledging the 17,000 senior high school students affected by the memo, De Vera expressed CHED's commitment to monitoring the situation closely and finding viable solutions.
The agency is currently engaged in discussions with select SUC and LUC Presidents and other education stakeholders to explore options for senior high school in the upcoming academic years.
Jan 8, 2024
