Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

K+12: Basic Education Program

President Benigno S. Aquino III declared: "We need to add two years to our basic education. Those who can afford to pay up to fourteen years of schooling before university. Thus, their children are getting into the best universities and the best jobs after graduation. I want at least 12 years for our public school children to give them an even chance at succeeding".

The implementation to add two years to the basic education program will start in the school year 2011 – 2012, The full implementation is in 2017 – 2018 school year.

The detail of the K+12 as the program is called, was presented during the Consultation and Orientation held on Monday, February 28 in the Dr. Arthur Juada Memorial Hall, DepEd, Kalibo, Aklan. The stakeholders, school officials, parents were represented in the said consultation.

To understand fully what is the "K+12 Basic Education Reform, DepEd Secretary Luistro discussed it in a short video presentation. This was followed by Dr. Victorina S. Laroza, Schools Division Supt. with a powerpoint presentation. Dr. Laroza presented and discussed the rationale of the K+12 Basic Education Reform program, the detail of implementation, the resources needed, and other features of the program.

Indeed K+12 is designed not to disrupt the current curriculum, most affordable to the government and families, and aligned with international practices.

It is also geared to improve mastery of competencies of graduates by giving them adequate instructional time. The National Achievement Test for Grade 6 in School year 2009-2010 passing rate was only 69.21 percent, while for the high school is merely 46.38 percent.

The International Tests results like the 2003 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study, the Philippines ranks No. 34th out of 38 countries in high school mathematics; 43rd out of 46 countries in High School Science. The Philippines ranked 23rd out of 25 participating countries in Grade 4 in both Mathematics and Science.

It is believed that every graduate of K+12 is: a. an empowered individual; b. has understanding of the world around and a zest for life long learning; c. has the courage to drive and the relevant skills to engage in work and have a productive life, d. able to think for himself and makes sound decisions on the best courses of action to take in different circumstances of his life; e. inculcated with the respect for human rights and values notably "Maka Diyos, Makatao, Makabansa, and Maka Kalikasan; f. become a productive member of society.

‘Hog Cholera Free’

The Department of Agriculture 6 (DA-6) cleared Western Visayas from hog cholera infestation. Hog cholera is a contagious disease that primarily affects swine.

DA regional director Larry Nacionales advised the hog farmers that virus causes are often transmitted through direct contact between healthy and infected swines. Healthy swine coming into contact with contaminated vehicles, pig pens, feed, or clothing may contract the disease.

Some, birds, flies, and humans can physically carry the virus from infected swine to healthy swine. Swine owners are advised to avoid the spread of hog cholera by not feeding their herds with untreated food wastes containing infected pork scraps.

Hog growers are also advised to immunize their pigs and avoid contacts with backyard raised swines.

According to Dir. Nacionales, the latest hog-cholera outbreak that victimized several backyard pigs happened in Sigma, Capiz. The problem was immediately solved by the Sigma LGU.

Hog cholera usually occurs during the rainy season when the immune system of animals is affected by changes in weather. /MP