This study examines the workload of K to 12 students in the Philippines, revealing that they spend significantly more time on academics than international and ASEAN standards. Filipino students, from elementary to senior high school, experience excessive instructional hours and lack clear homework guidelines, leading to overwork by design. For instance, Grade 3 students face up to 9 extra hours of instruction per week compared to international recommendations, and junior high students spend around 36 hours weekly in class. Senior high school students’ total academic workload reaches 55 hours per week, exceeding that of first-year college students. The study recommends setting evidence-based limits on instructional time and streamlining the curriculum to reduce student overwork and promote a balanced education.
