Revised SHS curriculum set to roll out; Gatchalian advocates for better graduate employability

Revised SHS curriculum set to roll out; Gatchalian advocates for better graduate employability

As the revised Senior High School (SHS) curriculum is set for rollout, Senator Win Gatchalian pushes for enhanced job readiness and employability among SHS graduates.

The Department of Education (DepEd) recently announced that the updated curriculum will be introduced in phases starting in School Year 2025-2026. Under the new structure, core subjects will be reduced from 15 to 5-7, allowing schools more flexibility to offer electives. This will enable students to focus on subjects aligned with their interests and future career paths.

In support of these reforms, Gatchalian is advocating for the passage of the Batang Magaling Act (Senate Bill No. 2367) to improve the work readiness of SHS graduates. The bill seeks to align SHS curricular offerings and work immersion programs with industry needs identified by private sector partners and government agencies.

A key feature of the Batang Magaling Act is the establishment of a National Batang Magaling Council to strengthen the link between SHS education and labor market demands. The council will include representatives from DepEd, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), three national industry partners, a national labor group, and the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines. In addition, local councils will be created at the municipal, city, and provincial levels.

Gatchalian is also pushing for free national competency assessments to further enhance employment prospects, especially for students in the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) track, ensuring that SHS graduates can obtain National Certifications (NCs) without financial barriers. He successfully lobbied for a ₱275.86 million budget allocation for free assessment and certification of SHS-TVL learners in the 2025 national budget. Through the Batang Magaling Act, he aims to institutionalize these free assessments for all SHS graduates.

"Fulfilling the K to 12 promise of job readiness for graduates is crucial. As we reform the senior high school program, students and their parents must see its tangible benefits, particularly in securing good employment opportunities," said Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education.

Source: Senate Pres Release, February 1