PNS — TWO teachers organizations yesterday rejected the plan of the Department of Education to add two more years to basic education, saying it would only add to the people’s burden.
The Teachers Dignity Coalition and the Association of Concerned Teachers said they are renewing calls for DepEd to rethink their proposal to prolong the education cycle from 10 to 12 years.
“We fully support P-Noy and the DepEd’s leadership in pursuing reforms in the education sector, however, we believe that this 12-year basic education cycle should not be prioritized. Instead, the basic necessities in education should be given more focus,” said Benjo Basas, TDC national chairperson.
Education Secretary Armin Luistro on Monday announced a plan to add two more years to the current 10-year basic education. He said the department will present the proposal to the public on October 5 which happens to be World Teachers’ Day.
The TDC said government should instead resolve the shortages in classrooms, school buildings, teachers and textbooks.
The group said that they are willing to hold a dialogue with education officials and President Benigno Aquino to present the realities of the education sector.
Antonio Tinio of ACT added that education is supposed to be free and the addition of two more years in the cycle will further burden the people.