SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — EduAksyon, a party-list group that advocates practical educational reforms, drew the support of students and parents during the recently held Students Forum here.

At the forum, held at The Manila Times College of Subic, EduAksyon first nominee Michael Alexander Ang and second nominee Kristjan Vincent Gargantiel said if they win seats in Congress, they would file a bill that will shorten college years to only two, instead of four.

Ang said aside from the country having the lowest departmental budget in the whole of Asia, the K-12 program is being carried out the wrong way, as first and second year college students have to enroll in subjects that they have already taken in Grade 11 and 12.

"That is why the Philippine education system is lagging behind. We are in the second to the last position in terms of quality education," he said.

He noted that removal of the subjects would cut college years down to only two. However, EduAksyon will require all college students to undergo one-year on-the-job training as employees of companies before graduating.

"What the EduAksyon will do is to file a bill that will reduce the academic years of college to only two years, plus one year of extensive training in a company with allowance equivalent to 75 percent of the salary of newly hired employees," said Ang.

This concept is already being implemented in the United States, Europe and progressive countries in Asia, like Singapore and Japan, he said.

"CHEd's (Commission on Higher Education) four-year system is outdated and no longer reflects to date's rapidly changing job market," he said.

EduAksyon said cutting the years down to two would be more cost efficient as parents could save more money equivalent to four semesters of tuition, transportation fares, allowances, and possibly board and lodging; and the students will be receiving allowances equivalent to 75 percent of the minimum wage during their OJT.

Second, the educational system will become more efficient since redundant curriculum subjects will be removed. Third, students will enter into the workforce earlier because of the intensive training they received during OJT.

Fourth, the academic curriculum will be aligned with the needs of the industry in the locality, and fifth, because of the system, there will be flexibility, specialization and competition.

EduAksyon will also push for the provision of breakfast to all public elementary schools; distribution of free tablets, ebooks, school supplies to all public school students; free internet to all students; and distribution of educational financial assistance for all deserving students.