THE COMMISSIONER on Higher Education clarified the K to 12 program has not been abolished after issuing a memorandum to discontinue the program among state and local universities and colleges.

CHED Chairperson Prospero De Vera III said he was surprised by the ‘fake news’ circulating about the K to 12 program, adding the memo was only a reminder for SUCs and LUCs to discontinue the program since they no longer have legal basis to continue accepting Senior High School students as the K to 12 transition period has already elapsed.

“I was surprised by the fake news and insinuations that have been circulating, so I’d like to make clear – K to 12 is not abolished and CHED has no authority to abolish senior high,” De Vera reiterated.

“Because I’ve been getting reports complaining that I have abolished senior high school. That’s not within the jurisdiction of CHED.”

De Vera said there were already SUCs and LUCs which stopped offering SHS program in their schools.

Earlier, CHED said engagement of SUCs and LUCs in basic education through Senior High School shall be limited to the K to 12 transition period from School Year 2016-2017 to SY 2020-2021.