THE Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC) expressed apprehension on the education program of the

Aquino government to extend the basic education cycle from 10 to 12 years.

The group reacted to the statement made by Education Secretary Armin Luistro who said he will
fully support Aquinos 12-year education program.
Updates on President Benigno Aquino III's presidency
We are also in full support for P-Noy and the DepEds (Department of Education) 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, TDCs national chairperson.
Basas further explained that all the efforts geared to reform the education sector like this one
would not be effective if the government fails to address the real issues on the field like shortages
in classrooms, school buildings, teachers, and education materials.
The group is willing to hold a dialogue with the education officials and even with Aquino so they
can present the realities of the education sector.
They also would like to seek explanation on why there is no mention of teachers welfare in the
presidents program and his 10-point education agenda.
The Presidents Sona (State of the Nation Address) speech should be the core of his platforms.
But unfortunately, he only presented a very limited education sector program and made no
mention of the teachers welfare, Basas added.
We want to remind the President and the education officials that the reform initiatives that are
not responsive of the teachers plight would fall in futility. The teachers welfare should always
be prioritized, he concluded.
The TDC reiterates that while they appreciate the reform initiatives of the Aquino administration
in general, they find its education sector proposal wanting. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)