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The Department of Education (DepEd) continues to refute viral claims that the K to 12 program is being abolished, dismissing recent social media posts suggesting a return to the old four-year high school system.
A Facebook post by the page “Walang Pasok Advisory Updates,” which has attracted significant engagement with 86 reactions, 102 comments, and 1,200 shares, falsely claimed that DepEd had decided to revert to the previous educational structure. The misleading post, complete with official-looking logos from both DepEd and the Commission on Higher Education, suggested the decision came after “careful verification and planning.”
The viral post sparked numerous reactions from social media users who expressed various opinions about the K to 12 program, with many describing it as “ineffective,” “useless,” and an unnecessary financial burden on families. Some commenters also voiced concerns about how such a transition might affect students currently enrolled in senior high school.
However, DepEd has categorically stated that the K to 12 program remains in place. Established under Republic Act No. 10533 (the “Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013”), the program mandates 12 years of basic education, including four years in junior high school (grades 7-10) and two years in senior high school (grades 11-12).
In November 2025, DepEd specifically issued an advisory debunking claims that Grades 11 and 12 would be abolished for the 2026-2027 school year. The department urged the public to exercise caution when sharing information online and to rely on official announcements from verified DepEd social media accounts.
While the K to 12 program itself remains intact, DepEd has been implementing reforms to address concerns about the curriculum. In January 2025, the department announced a phased rollout of a “decongested” K to 12 program, which reduces the number of core subjects for grades 11 and 12 to “5 to 7 important subjects.” This followed the 2023 launch of the ‘Matatag’ K to 10 curriculum, which streamlines learning areas to emphasize foundational skills. Full implementation of these reforms is expected by 2028.
The false claim about K to 12’s abolishment contained another red flag: the supposed informational link in the post did not direct users to any government website but instead led to a household product listing on an e-commerce platform. Alert social media users quickly flagged this suspicious link in the comment section.
This is not an isolated incident. Similar misleading claims about changes to the K to 12 program have circulated repeatedly on social media platforms, requiring constant vigilance and fact-checking efforts.
The K to 12 program was implemented to align the Philippine education system with international standards and provide students with globally competitive education. Despite ongoing refinements to the curriculum, the fundamental structure of the program—including the senior high school component—remains firmly in place under Philippine law.
Education stakeholders are advised to rely on official DepEd channels for accurate information about any changes to the curriculum or educational structure, particularly as the department continues its phased implementation of curriculum reforms aimed at improving educational outcomes while maintaining the K to 12 framework.
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9 Comments
While the K to 12 program may have its critics, maintaining educational standards and consistency is crucial for the country’s long-term development. I hope the government stays the course.
While some may view the K to 12 program as an unnecessary financial burden, the long-term educational and career benefits for students seem valuable. It’s important to look at the big picture.
The concerns raised by commenters about the impact on current senior high school students are understandable. Hopefully DepEd can provide clarity and reassurance for those affected.
Fact-checking is so important to counter misinformation, especially around major policy changes like this. Good on DepEd for swiftly debunking the false claims.
I’m curious to hear more about the rationale behind the K to 12 program and how it’s been received by students and parents so far. What are the key benefits it aims to deliver?
The claims about reverting to a 4-year high school seem unfounded. It’s crucial the government follows through on the K to 12 reforms, despite any pushback.
Absolutely. Abandoning the program now would undermine the years of planning and implementation that have gone into it.
Glad to see the Philippines is sticking with the K to 12 program. Maintaining consistent education standards is important for students’ development and future prospects.
Agreed. Abrupt changes to the education system can be disruptive, so it’s good DepEd is providing clarity and continuity.