DepEd exec says PHL education meets ASEAN requirements

THE COUNTRY’S educational standard is meeting the requirement of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), making it at par with the other member nations.

Department of Education (DepEd) Cordillera Regional Director Beatrice Torno in a press conference said the country has met the criteria of the ASEAN nations in terms of the number of basic education system from 10 to 12 years.

“We have prepared for this in six years and with our K to 12, we are now compliant with the ASEAN integration,” Torno said.

She added “we are comparable in terms of education and skills”.

The K to 12 program which took effect in 2016 increased the Philippines’ basic education system to 12 years. The first batch of senior high school will complete their basic education in 2018, making them eligible to enter college just like those in foreign countries.

Torno explained based on the Philippine Qualification Framework, teachers have reached a compliant level with what is required by the ASEAN countries.

She added teachers are also urged to take up graduate studies or masters and doctorate degrees.

Torno said aside from adding the number of years of basic education as required under the ASEAN integration, teachers also take up further studies through the Southeast Asian Minister of Education, Organization, Innovation and Technology (SEAMEO) Innotech Excels courses.

This will equip the teachers with competencies that will enable them to lead their schools towards teaching and learning excellence and the GURO 21 which equips educators with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values required of a 21st century teacher. This will also develop and enhance their facilitating skills to effectively play their role as teachers.

Even school administrators undergo further studies to enable them to lead and manage K to 12 schools, Torna explained. PNA