SENATE Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano has called for drastic and radical measures to address persistent problems in the Philippine education system, saying the future of Filipino children and the country depends on access to quality education.

Cayetano said the government must take concrete action to address gaps in the implementation of the K to 12 program, particularly the shortage of classrooms and other essential school resources.

“We’re talking about our children’s future, our country’s future. So we have to do something drastic and radical,” Cayetano said.

The senator made the statement as he marked International Teachers’ Day, stressing that honoring educators should go beyond expressions of appreciation and translate into meaningful improvements in their working conditions and the education system.

Cayetano noted that when the K to 12 program was introduced, the government promised to provide full funding, but that commitment was never fully realized.

“When we passed that law, pinangako na it will always be fully funded, but it was really never fully funded,” he said.

He also raised concerns over the shortage of school facilities, which has forced many public schools, particularly in highly urbanized areas, to implement double or triple shifts and limit students to half-day classes.

“To the rest of the world, K to 12 tayo. But in reality, double, triple shift po ’yung marami nating estudyante,” Cayetano said.

He said the government should work toward restoring full-day classes while keeping class sizes manageable. This would give teachers more time to prepare lessons, attend to students’ needs, and spend time with their families.

Cayetano also cited education initiatives in Taguig City, including financial assistance for students who choose to remain in private schools, as well as feeding programs and digital learning initiatives.

However, he suggested that the government consider temporarily reverting to K to 11 or K to 10 if it lacks the resources to implement the existing K to 12 program effectively.

“Dapat iatras natin, K to 11 or K to 10 muna habang we don’t have the resources,” he said.

Cayetano emphasized that teachers deserve sustained recognition and adequate support for their contributions to the country’s education system.

“Ang daming napakagaling na tao na sobra ang contribution sa ating buong educational system. One day of honoring them is not enough. One week is not enough,” he said.

He reiterated that improving education requires concrete action to address resource shortages and ensure that Filipino students receive the quality of education promised under the K to 12 program.