The Department of Education has created a national task force to review the implementation of the senior high school program for one year to identify ways to improve the job prospects of SHS graduates.
Based on its own tracer study, DepEd found out that only one out of ten SHS graduates were employed while around eight out of ten went to college.
A study by the Philippine Business for Education also showed that out of the 70 leading companies across all sectors in the country, only 20 percent were willing to accept SHS graduates.
“As the nation strives for economic recovery and growth, it isbecoming increasingly important for SHS graduates to have greater access to employment, entrepreneurship, advanced education, and training,” read the memorandum signed by DepEd Undersecretary Gina Gonong.
The task force was given until May 12, 2024 to submit its report.
The one-year review aimed “to ensure consistency, responsiveness, andrelevance” of the SHS program to the needs of the learners and stakeholders.
Earlier, former President and Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo filed a House bill reverting the current K-to-12 program to “K+10+2,” essentially returning high school back to four years.
Under the measure, Grades 11 and 12 will be converted into a pre-university education type of learning system mandatory only for those proceeding to college.
Meanwhile, Bohol Rep. Kristine Alexis Tutor on Sunday proposed that classes must start at 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. at public schools with a one-class shift.
She said the health of students is important — especially amid the heat waves brought about by El Nino weather — adding that teachers also need more time to prepare.
“Janitors, utility staff, and security personnel also need preparationtime to make sure the same is clean, ready, and secure before classes start,” she said.
“Weekends should be free time with family for all students and teachers, except for the occasional co-curricular activities, training, and contests. Co-curricular (classes) and activities that are not integral parts of classes must not disrupt weekday classes. No ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps) or similar activities on Saturdays or Sundays. No anything on weekends,” she added.