Senator Proposes Three-Year College Education Reform
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has introduced a bill aiming to shorten college education from four to three years. This significant change is among his priority measures for the 20th Congress.
The proposed Three-Year College Education Act seeks to grant the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) the authority to allow degree programs to be completed within three academic years. “The duration of programs, however, should still be based on assessed industry needs, international standards, or benchmarks, and recognized best practices,” Gatchalian explained.
Integrating General Education to Senior High School
Under the bill, General Education courses would be integrated into and completed during senior high school. This adjustment is designed to reduce redundancy and make college programs more specialized and focused.
The proposal stems from findings by the Second Congressional Commission on Education, which highlighted that Philippine college programs tend to be heavy on General Education and light on internships. The bill aims to enhance college readiness, providing students with more time for internships and advanced specialization.
Fulfilling the Promise of Education Reform
“When we added two more years in high school, we promised the people that years in college would be trimmed down. Maybe it’s time to fulfill this promise,” Gatchalian said.
This reform could provide Filipino college students with a more efficient path to graduation, better aligning academic programs with industry demands and global standards.
For more news and updates on three-year college education bill, visit Filipinokami.com.