2
Likewise, it is hereby declared the policy of the State that
every graduate of basic education shall be an empow~red
individual who has learned, through a program that is rooted
on sound educational principles and geared towards excellence,
the foundations for learning throughout life, the competence
to engage in work and be productive, the ability to coexist in
fruitful harmony with local and global communities, the
capability to engage in autonomous, creative, and critical
thinking, and the capacity and willingness tp transform ot\1ers
and one's self.
'
For this purpose, the State shall create a functional basic
education system that will develop productive and responsible
citizens equipped with the essential competencies, skills and
values for both life·long learning and employment. In order
to achieve this, the State shall:
(a) Give every student an opportunity to receive quality
education that is globally competitive based on a pedagogically
sound curriculum that is at par with international standatds;
(b) Broaden the goals of high school education for college
preparation, vocational and technical career opportunities as
well as creative arts, sports and entrepreneurial employm'ent
in a rapidly changing and increasingly globalized environment;
and
(c) Make education learner·oriented and responsive, to
the needs, cognitive and cultural capacity, the circumstan:ces
and diversity of learners, schools and communities through the
appropriate languages of teaching and learning, including
mother tongue as a learning resource.
'
SEC. 3. Basic Education. - Basic education is intended
to meet basic learning needs which provides the foundation
on which subsequent learning can be based. It encompasses
kindergarten, elementary and secondary education as well as
alternative learning systems for out-of.school learners and those
with special needs.
'
SEC. 4. Enhanced Basic Education Program. - 'Ilhe
enhanced basic education program encompasses at least one
(1) year of kindergarten education, six (6) years of elementary
education, and six (6) years of secondary education, in that
sequence. Secondary education includes four (4) years of junior
high school and two (2) years of senior high school education.