This moment marks one of the most significant milestones in the history of the Philippine Basic Education System─the year when we welcome the first batch of K to 12 graduates who are ready for the world of higher education, for work, or for entrepreneurship.

As the biggest education reform in our country, the K to 12 Program envisions to produce holistically-developed Filipinos with 21st Century Skills in Information, Media, and Technology, Learning and Innovation, Communication, and Life and Career. Through these vital life competencies, we hope that our basic education graduates are now more prepared, confident, and globally competitive to cope with the diverse ordeals and hindrances that they may encounter as they go through their life journey.

This year’s theme “K to 12 Learners: Ready to Face Life’s Challenges” utterly embodies the journey that we have taken in bringing forth the much needed educational reform for our Filipino learners.  It may have been a long hurdle, as we have gone against the many bumps and stops in the full implementation of the K to 12 Program. Nevertheless, through the countless efforts and dedicated support of all stakeholders and education partners across the country, most especially our hardworking teachers and school heads, we reached the finish line and surpassed the challenges and obstructions.

While we have succeeded in accomplishing our initial goal of implementing the K to 12 Program, we at the Department of Education pledge to intensify our commitment to address and give solutions to emerging problems, and more importantly, provide strategies and interventions to enhance the delivery of our education services.

With this, I sincerely confer my accolades to all our graduates. You are a testament that in life, one only needs the right amount of eagerness, knack, and tenacity to defeat the adversities and ultimately pursue one’s dreams and aspirations in life.

Congratulations to the 2018 Graduating Class!

MALCOLM S. GARMA, CESO V (sgd)
Officer-in-Charge
Office of the Regional Director