Challenges in the Implementation of K to 12 Program and their Influence on the Instructional Competence of Teachers

K to 12 program is a basic curriculum program implemented in the Philippines. Upon its implementation, the instructional competence of the teachers is also influenced. This study aimed to relate the challenges in implementing the K to 12 program to the instructional competence of teachers, employing a correlational research design. The study involved 35 Grade I to III teachers from Calumpang Elementary School in Cahilsot District, General Santos City Division, during the School Year 2022-2023. Following the self-administered survey, modified questionnaires were used to gather the data needed for the study. The statistical tools used in the analysis included frequency count, weighted mean, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. The results showed that the level of challenges in implementing the K to 12 program is described as high in terms of curriculum, instruction, and assessment, with an overall mean of 3.29. It also revealed that the level of instructional competence of teachers is described as high, with an overall mean of 3.37. This study concluded that the instructional competence of teachers is not affected by the challenges that they encounter. Generally, the Department of Education can enhance teachers' instructional competence by strengthening them in addressing the challenges they encounter in the field of education.