MANILA, Philippines - Education Secretary Armin Luistro on Friday said he is giving his full support to President Benigno Aquino III's plan to add 2 more years to the country's basic education cycle.

In a statement, Luistro said upgrading the country's education cycle would make it at par with the world's standard. “I am not having second thoughts and the President has my full support in this education reform agenda," he said.

The 12-year education plan includes 7 years of primary (elementary) education, and 5 years of secondary (high school) education. The proposal also includes one year of pre-school for pupils before entering Grade 1.

The education secretary said shifting to a new 12-year education cycle will take time and implementing it may go beyond the term of President Aquino. He said his department is now reviewing the proposed changes to the basic curriculum before giving recommendations to the President.

Luistro said the new curriculum will be implemented in the first grade, with changes implemented in succeeding grades every year. "After nine years from first implementation, all those under the previous 10-year cycle will have graduated and the new one is in effect," he said.

The education chief said the additional 2 years will give Filipino youth a more holistic education and would help solve long-term problems in the country.

Former Education Undersecretary Juan Miguel “Mike” Luz earlier said the 12-year education cycle proposed will cost the Philippine government an additional P100 billion spread out in 5 years.