Malacañang on Wednesday clarified that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is not opposed to the K-to-12 education system, amid confusion over his recent remarks expressing dissatisfaction with its results.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Briefer Claire Castro stressed that the President’s statements were often misunderstood. “Gusto po nating liwanagin ito: Hindi po niya sinasabi na tutol siya sa K-to-12,” Castro explained during a press briefing on July 2.
She said the President’s concern lies not in the policy itself, but in how it was rolled out. Marcos reportedly pointed out that the additional two years of senior high school failed to deliver its promised outcomes, largely because implementing agencies were unprepared at the time.
“Ang sinabi lang po niya ay hindi naging epektibo agad dahil hindi nai-prepare ang mga ahensiya para dito,” Castro added, noting that current Education Secretary Sonny Angara is now working to improve the system.
In his June 18 podcast, Marcos voiced frustration over how K-to-12 added financial strain to parents without delivering its intended benefits. He cited expenses for tuition, books, and school supplies as added burdens.
Despite these issues, the President remains committed to supporting and refining the program. “Hangga’t nandiyan po ang batas para sa K-to-12, ito po ay susuportahan at palalawigin at pag-iibayuhin nang maayos para sa ating mga estudyante,” Castro emphasized.
The Palace reiterated that as long as the law mandating the K-to-12 program remains in place, the administration will ensure its continued implementation and improvement for the benefit of Filipino learners.
