MANILA, Philippines - Two legislators are urging the Department of Education (DepEd) to rethink its proposal to add 2 years to basic education as it may only lead to more children out of school.
House Deputy Speaker Maria Isabelle Climaco and Maguindanao Rep. Simeon Datumanong issued their call after consulting high school teachers and students in Zamboanga City last Friday (August 13).
In a statement, Climaco said majority of students and teachers they consulted opposed the additional 2 years "due to added expenses" for the family.
Teachers said the government should instead address the lack of teachers and poor infrastructure rather than add 2 years to basic elementary and high school education.
"Overcrowded classrooms lead to poor learning. As a teacher, I call on DepEd to seriously study the proposal. I further recommend intensified teacher training to equip our educators,” said Climaco.
Climaco graduated from Ateneo de Zamboanga University with a degree in secondary education.
Climaco said the consultations were done in 2 schools--the Regional Science High School and Zamboanga City High School.
Some teachers, however, favored the government's plan to add 2 years to basic education, she said.
Datumanong warned the proposal "may result to more youth out of school."
The DepEd believes adding 2 more years to basic education would allow more students to finish high school, making them more employable.
The Aquino government said adding 2 more years is also in line with the length of basic education in other countries.
