Government urged to review Senior High School program
MANILA, Philippines — The government must review and strengthen the senior high school program instead of abolishing it, local leaders emphasized. They stressed that meaningful opportunities for students and labor market demands rely on enhancing this educational stage.
This call was made by the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines – Episcopal Commission on Catholic Education. Both groups strongly opposed the proposal to scrap the senior high school program, describing it as “not only untimely, it is dangerously shortsighted.”
Proposal to scrap senior high school program
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada recently introduced Senate Bill No. 3001, which aims to remove the mandatory senior high school program. He argued that the program, launched in 2016, has yet to fully achieve its goals.
However, CEAP and the Catholic Bishops’ Commission highlighted that the program was not a hasty decision but a carefully crafted vision. It sought to elevate the Philippine education system to meet international standards while addressing the evolving needs of Filipino learners and the labor market.
Strengthening, not scrapping, senior high school
Instead of dismantling the program, the groups urged the government to conduct a comprehensive review of its implementation. They called for reforms where necessary, ensuring the program’s achievements remain intact.
Addressing concerns about redundancy and financial strain on families, they recommended expanding and enhancing the Senior High School Voucher Program. This move would guarantee that no student is left behind due to economic challenges.
Public-private partnerships and access
The groups further noted that public-private cooperation plays a vital role in providing educational opportunities. Many students rely on government-funded vouchers to attend private schools, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas. These partnerships help ease overcrowding in public schools and bring education closer to communities.
Aligning education with labor market needs
CEAP and the Catholic Bishops’ Commission emphasized strengthening collaborations with industries. They advocated aligning the curriculum with labor market demands and implementing meaningful work immersion programs. These steps would enhance the employment readiness of senior high school graduates.
They also clarified that issues such as an overloaded curriculum, unqualified teachers, and implementation gaps should not be confused with flaws in the program’s overall framework.
Solutions to current challenges
To address these challenges, the groups suggested mentoring by Regional Centers of Excellence for struggling schools and partnerships with higher education institutions. These initiatives aim to improve senior high school teachers’ skills and develop a job-relevant curriculum aligned with 21st-century educational standards and higher education requirements.
Local education advocates concluded that improving the program will better prepare Filipino youth for future opportunities and labor demands.
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