House Passes Education Pathways Bill on Final Reading

House Passes Education Pathways Bill on Final Reading


The House of Representatives has approved the proposed Education Pathways Act (House Bill No. 11213) on its third and final reading, allowing junior high school graduates to choose alternative education tracks. The bill was passed with 200 affirmative votes, three opposing votes, and no abstentions.

Under this measure, students can opt for either a college preparatory track under the Department of Education (DepEd), covering Grades 11 and 12, or a technical-vocational program overseen by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The proposed law mandates DepEd to design a comprehensive curriculum for senior high school, equipping students with foundational subjects, practical skills, and electives aligned with college admission standards. It also requires collaboration with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and universities to ensure curriculum alignment with higher education requirements.

For students choosing the technical-vocational pathway, TESDA will partner with industry stakeholders to offer skills-based programs that meet industry standards. These programs aim to enhance employability and provide opportunities for a ladderized education system, where students can qualify for higher education through competency assessments.

The bill previously passed a second reading on January 22.

The move comes amid ongoing discussions about the effectiveness of the K-12 program. Critics argue that despite its implementation, Filipino students struggle in global assessments. The 2023 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) revealed that Filipino 15-year-olds lag behind their international peers by five to six years in mathematics, science, and reading.

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