MANILA, Philippines – “Cities across the country are fully committed to work with the national government for the effective and successful implementation of the [K to 12] program,” the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) said in a statement during the education summit in Cagayan de Oro, April 21.
Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC said, “Initially these cities are the leaders in the implementation of K to 12. Ang mas alam ng tao, ang Department of Education (DepEd) ang nag-i-implement ng reporma pero gusto nating ipakita na talagang kailangan ng very close partnership doon sa local government units. Kapag ginagawa natin iyan, mas nakatutok sa pangangailangan natin, ng industriya, at ng siyudad ang mga programa ng DepEd para sa Senior High School.”
“We will never know when the country will be ready for a major education reform unless we do it now,” LCP further stated. City leaders urged the public to use this opportunity to participate and work towards broadening access to quality education through K to 12 and SHS.
Mayor Belen Fernandez of Dagupan City said, “I think this [the implementation of Senior High School] is a challenge for us, the mayors. We’ll always say we want to have a progressive city but inside a progressive city should be successful families and successful children who have a future secured for them. This starts with a better foundation and Sec. Luistro has started it now [with K to 12]. We know it’s going to be difficult but with the mentoring of the League of Cities, I believe our city is prepared.”
City mayors affirmed, “Senior High School is a significant and necessary component of basic education reform. Cities across the country are fully committed to work with the national government for the effective and successful implementation of the program.” Dubbed the City LEADERS (Lead, Execute, Advocate, Design, Effective, and Responsive Senior High School) Geared Up for Senior High School: Uswag Kagay-anon! Yes to Senior High School, the event formalized partnerships between industries, parents, teachers, barangay leaders, and the City Government of Cagayan de Oro for SHS. It also gathered local industry partners and other education stakeholders to listen as mayors from five cities (Cagayan De Oro, Dagupan, Marikina, Sorsogon, and Tagum) shared their progress in the implementation of SHS.
PH City mayors express strong support for DepEd’s K to 12 program
