THE KABATAAN Partylist has voiced strong opposition to the proposed revisions of the K to 12 Senior High School curriculum, arguing that the reforms prioritize business interests over the actual needs of Filipino students.

Atty. Renee Louise Co, spokesperson and first nominee of Kabataan Partylist, highlighted the disconnect between the government’s push for job-ready graduates and the current realities of the public education system.

“We’re too focused on making students job-ready, but have we asked if our schools are ready?” Co asked.

“There aren’t enough classrooms, teachers are overworked, and students come to school hungry. We must first prepare our youth to study. No curriculum will work without proper funding for education,” she added.

Co further criticized the orientation of the K-12 program, saying it favors companies more than students’ welfare.

“Filipino youth can never be job-ready if there are no jobs. Reforms should prioritize accessible, quality education—not just the employability of graduates for corporate gain. The K-12 program and its proposed reforms are business-oriented and should be scrapped,” she said.

Instead, Kabataan Partylist calls for a realignment of national priorities—supporting local industries and strengthening the domestic job market.

“Let’s support local businesses and build our national industries to create quality jobs. Education should be properly funded, and wages must be livable for all,” Co concluded.

The partylist’s firm stance adds to the growing debate on the direction and effectiveness of the K-12 program, with youth advocates calling for reforms that truly serve the interests of students and educators.