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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Government urged to prioritize education reforms amid Senior High School curriculum debate

Government urged to prioritize education reforms amid Senior High School curriculum debate

Published Jun 25, 2025 05:41 pm
Senior High School graduates (DepEd / file photo)
Senior High School graduates (DepEd / file photo)
As discussions on the potential removal of Senior High School (SHS) from the K to 12 curriculum resurface, an industry-led education advocacy group has called on the Marcos administration to focus on strengthening the country’s entire education system.
While reiterating its support for the K to 12 program, the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) emphasized that meaningful reforms must begin in the early grades to ensure the long-term success of producing job-ready graduates.
“The success of the SHS program hinges not only on its implementation but also on addressing foundational gaps within the basic education system, thus we must strengthen and accelerate critical reforms that are aimed at improving the support systems for both learners and teachers starting at the early grades,” PBEd Executive Director Bal Camua said in a statement.
Concerns on SHS
Expressing concern that the program has yet to yield tangible benefits for graduates, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier directed Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara to review and improve the SHS program.
PBEd acknowledged the President’s remarks, saying the critique reflects the shared aspiration for a more effective and inclusive education system.
“We respect the President’s assessment of the K-12 program as a reflection of the high expectations that we all want for our learners,” Camua said. “It is precisely this expectation that drives our continued call for education to be the government’s top priority,” he added.
Camua further stressed the importance of solid foundational literacy and numeracy skills to ensure student success at higher levels of learning.
“We must leave no stone unturned and first lay a strong foundation of basic reading, writing, and arithmetic in their early years if we want them to truly succeed in higher learning,” Camua stressed.
Revised SHS curriculum pilot rollout
In response to growing calls for reform, the DepEd launched a strengthened SHS curriculum on June 16 across 846 participating schools nationwide.
Key updates include a streamlined set of subjects, extended work immersion periods, and a renewed focus on practical competencies aimed at enhancing employability.
This pilot marks the first phase of a broader nationwide reform of the K to 12 program, with full implementation targeted for the next school year.
“The program’s full potential can be achieved through shared commitment and collective efforts of all sectors,” Camua said.
“As such, the government together with educators, industry partners, parents, and the rest of the community must continue to work together in refining and reinforcing K–12 for the benefit of every Filipino learner,” he added.

Related Tags

PBEd senior high school SHS K to 12 DepEd President Marcos Sonny Angara education reform Philippines education system
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