TACLOBAN CITY- The office of the Department of Education in Eastern Visayas will need over P92 million for the hiring of teachers for the implementation of the K to 12 beginning next school year.
For the first year of implementation of the K to 12 program in the region, the DepEd need to hire 2,997 teachers to handle students who will be enrolled in the senior high school, said Emma Mabutin, regional K to 12 coordinator.
Mabutin said that the implementation of the K to 12, beginning next school year 2016 to 2017, will actually present an opportunity for those looking for employment.
“Contrary to (speculations), this program will present an opportunity.
The DepEd will need teachers who will handle senior high school students,” she said.
Mabutin said that the hiring of the needed teachers may start this year as they are still waiting for the needed guidelines from their central office.
She said that the 2,997 teachers needed is only for the first year of the implementation of the K to 12 program or those who will enter the Grade 11th The DepEd will hire another 2,997 teachers who will handle those who will enter the Grade 12th.
According to them, even college professors who fear of losing their jobs could apply as teachers under the program.
“But they have to take and pass the LET (Licensure Examinations for Teachers) if they want to be permanently absorbed by the DepEd.
But it is not an (absolute) requirement,” Mabutin said.
She said that taking the LET will only be required if they will be teaching under the program within five years.
There are no records as to how many education graduates in the region who remains without employment as teachers.
The region produces an estimated 5,000 education graduates in the region every year. Mabutin said that they are now ready for the implementation of the program in the region.
“Those opposing views are respected but we have to implement the program. It has several benefits for our students,” she said.
Aside from being free, lessons being taught in the senior high school will help them acquire skills and competencies on enterprenuership, among others, Mabutin said.
After graduating the senior high school, they receives certifications from the TESDA (Technical Education, Skills Development Authority) guaranteeing them that they are eligible to work.
