THE HOUSE of Representatives yesterday passed on second reading a priority measure that adds two years to the basic education system, known as K to 12.
“HB (House Bill) 6643 is approved on second reading,” Deputy Speaker Pablo P. Garcia (2nd district, Cebu) said yesterday after the chamber approved the measure by voice vote.
The bill, whose principal author was the late Sorsogon Rep. Salvador H. Escudero, III (1st district) according to the House Web site, aims to make students globally competitive by adding the senior high school level.
The added years will teach general education subjects normally taken during college and offer “specialization” to prepare for college or employment.
The fifth year in high school year, or Grade 11 will be rolled out in school year 2016-2017, while the sixth year, or Grade 12 will start the following year.
The Department of Education (DepEd) welcomed the bill’s passage.
“Its approval has given DepEd and all our partners a big boost to all our efforts in instituting much-needed long-term education reforms,” DepEd Director for communications Anna Cristina M. Ganzon via text.
Meanwhile, seven members of the League of Filipino Students Manila-Quezon City chapter protested inside the session hall against the bill, claiming it will produce graduates meant for overseas employment. The protesters were quickly led by security guards out of the premises.
The counterpart measure to HB 6643 was approved at the committee in the Senate last week. The proposal will complement the law which requires a year of kindergarten, or Republic Act No. 10157.
Congress held its last plenary session yesterday, and will go on a two-week break starting Oct. 20 to Nov. 4. Session resumes on Nov. 5 to Dec. 21. -- M. J. O. Cantilero