FACT CHECK: No DepEd announcement abolishing Grades 11 and 12

The Department of Education (DepEd) has officially denied any announcement regarding the abolition of Grades 11 and 12, clarifying that such a claim is entirely false. Social media platforms recently circulated a misleading graphic asserting that Grades 11 and 12 would be removed beginning in June 2027. This misinformation was accompanied by a post featuring the official DepEd logo and a caption reading, “Good news talaga. K-12 no more.” The post also included a link purportedly leading to a list of affected schools and the source of the claim. However, upon investigation, these links were found to direct users to an unrelated online shopping website, raising serious concerns over the authenticity of the information presented. DepEd reiterated that the K to 12 program remains fully operational and continues to be enforced under the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013. The department has consistently advised the public to seek verified information solely through its official channels. On March 14, DepEd had already refuted a similar claim concerning the removal of the K to 12 program for the current academic year, reinforcing its stance that all educational policies remain unchanged unless formally announced. Despite the falsehood of the recent claim, discussions around potential reforms to the senior high school curriculum have been ongoing within Congress. In June 2025, Senator Jinggoy Estrada introduced Senate Bill No. 3001, known as the Rationalized Basic Education Act. This legislation aims to eliminate the senior high school component and revert to a four-year secondary education system. The proposal reflects broader concerns about the efficacy and structure of the K to 12 program, particularly among educators and policymakers who argue for streamlining the curriculum to better align with national educational goals. In response to these calls for change, DepEd initiated a pilot implementation of a revised K to 12 senior high school curriculum in 2025. This initiative includes reducing the number of core subjects for Grade 11 students and simplifying educational tracks to enhance student engagement and performance. These adjustments come amid growing scrutiny of the program's long-term impact, with some stakeholders questioning whether the current structure adequately prepares students for higher education and the workforce. Further legislative activity took place in August 2026, when Republic Act No. 12322 was enacted. This amendment to Republic Act No. 10533 removed the mandatory requirement for the “spiral progression” teaching method, granting DepEd greater flexibility in selecting instructional approaches. The change allows the department to tailor its strategies to better meet the diverse learning needs of students, reflecting a shift toward more adaptive and responsive educational practices. The recent misinformation campaign highlights the persistent challenges of combating disinformation in the digital space. The misleading post not only lacked credible supporting evidence but also attempted to mimic official communication by using fabricated URLs and deceptive language. Such tactics underscore the need for continued vigilance and public education efforts to ensure that citizens can distinguish between genuine policy updates and fabricated claims. As the debate over the future of the K to 12 program continues, it is crucial for both educators and the general public to remain informed and cautious. While there are valid arguments for curriculum reform, any changes must be grounded in thorough research, stakeholder consultation, and formal legislative processes. Until such developments are officially announced, the K to 12 program remains intact, serving millions of Filipino students across the country.