The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has officially announced the discontinuation of the Senior High School (SHS) Program in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs).
In a Viber message, CHED Chairman J. Prospero de Vera III confirmed the issuance of a Memorandum from the Office of the Chairperson dated December 18.
The memorandum stated the "discontinuance" of the SHS Program in SUCs and LUCs.
De Vera clarified that this decision aligns with CHED's previous directives through CMO Nos. 32 and 33 series of 2015 and 2016.
These directives specified that the "engagement of SUCs and LUCs in basic education through senior high school shall be limited to the K-12 transition period, which is from SY 2016-2017 to SY 2020-2021 only."
He also highlighted that the Department of Education (DepEd) has issued a notice through the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC).
Beginning SY 2023-2024, there will be no more Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education beneficiaries from SUCs and LUCs.
However, exceptions are made for those entering Grade 12 in SY 2023-2024 to complete their basic education.
SUCs and LUCs with laboratory schools can accept enrollees but will no longer receive vouchers.
In response to these changes, De Vera directed SUC Presidents and Officers-In-Charge (OICs) to bring the discontinuance of senior high school in SUCs to their respective SUC BOR (Board of Regents)/BOT (Board of Trustees).
He emphasized that there was "no longer a legal basis" to fund the SHS Program.
Moreover, CHED urged SUCs with laboratory schools to present to the Board the financial implications of the DepEd's notice regarding the "non-issuance of vouchers for senior high school enrollees in SUCs."
Additionally, they should ensure compliance with CMO No. 32 Series of 2015, which stipulates that after the K to 12 transition period, laboratory schools shall cap enrollment at 750 students.