President Benigno S. Aquino III, delivers his State of the Nation Address for the 6th and last time before the Joint Session of Congress on Monday, July 27. He stressed that the seeds of reform have been planted for the people and future leaders to water to full fruition. His two-hour annual report to the nation stressed the various programs of government that center on the principle of “Matuwid na Daan” by way of good governance. Attentively listening to the President are Senate President Franklin Drilon and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr, along with other lawmakers, guests and other dignitaries. Photo: Gilbert Engay, Media Relations Service-PRIB
MANILA (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino III on Monday vowed to fund the full implementation of his flagship education reform effort, the K-to-12 program, next year.
In his final State of the Nation Address (SONA), Aquino said the proposed 2016 budget already has funds for 103.2 million additional textbooks and 4.4 million more armchairs for public schools in the country.
The President also used his valedictory address before Congress members to once again promote the K-to-12 program, which is still facing legal questions before the Supreme Court.
“Nagpatupad po tayo ng K-to-12 dahil hindi praktikal ang pagsisiksik ng kaalaman sa 10-year basic education cycle,” Aquino said.
President Aquino also trumpeted his administration’s achievements in the education sector.
The President said that his administration was able to reduce the number of out-of-school youth from 2.9 million in 2008 to 1.2 million in 2013.
He also boasted of wiping out the backlogs in classrooms and public school teachers as early as 2013. (MNS)