Decision on K-12 Abolition Now in Congress' Hands

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed openness to scrapping the K-12 education system, saying the decision ultimately lies with Congress. However, he stressed that while the program remains in place, efforts must be made to improve its outcomes — particularly in helping graduates secure employment.

In the latest episode of his official podcast, Marcos acknowledged that the K-12 system, implemented more than a decade ago, has failed to deliver on its core promises. The program expanded the basic education cycle to 13 years, including Kindergarten, six years of elementary, four years of junior high, and two years of senior high school.

"It's costing parents more because of the additional two years — tuition, school supplies, books — but after 10 years, there's been no significant improvement. Graduates are still struggling to find jobs," Marcos said, alternating between English and Filipino.

Critics of the K-12 program argue that it has created more burden than benefit, producing exhausted teachers and students with little to show in terms of employability.

While Congress debates whether to revise or repeal the policy, Marcos urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to focus on reforms that can address the program’s shortcomings in the interim — especially improving the job-readiness of senior high school graduates.

He emphasized the importance of aligning education with the needs of the labor market and suggested deeper collaboration with the private sector to bridge the skills gap.

"The private sector is even willing to go further. They're saying, ‘Let us handle the training, and once the students complete it, they’ll be ready to work for us because the training fits exactly what we need," the President explained.

Marcos’ remarks reflect a growing national conversation around the relevance of the K-12 system, which has come under renewed scrutiny amid continued economic pressures and job mismatches. As debates continue, his administration appears focused on pursuing targeted improvements and building stronger links between education and employment pathways.

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