The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday, December 31, said it has advanced key system reforms and work-ready pathways for learners nationwide—setting the stage for a stronger, more practical education system in 2026.

Under the leadership of DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, the agency sought to ensure that graduates are better prepared for employment or higher education through initiatives that strengthened senior high school (SHS) programs, aligned curricula and assessments, and expanded work immersion opportunities.

These efforts, DepEd said, are part of the agency’s broader Five-Point Reform Agenda, aimed at improving school environments, governance, and infrastructure while producing graduates with practical skills.

“Kasama sa paalala sa atin ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos ang pagkakaroon ng education system na tunay na makatutulong sa mga kabataang Pilipino—isang sistemang maghahanda sa kanila sa susunod na yugto ng kanilang buhay, ang pagpasok sa mundo ng trabaho (President Bongbong Marcos reminds us of the importance of having an education system that truly helps Filipino youth—one that prepares them for the next stage of their lives, which is entering the world of work),” Angara said.

DepEd launched the Strengthened SHS Program to make the final years of basic education more responsive and relevant.

The program now offers two clear pathways for learners: the Academic track and the Technical-Professional track.

A major reform under the Technical-Professional track is the expansion of the Work Immersion Program, which now ranges from 320 to 640 hours—up from the previous 80 hours—providing students with meaningful, hands-on workplace experience.

DepEd plans to scale this initiative nationwide in 2026 in coordination with Regional Directors and Schools Division Superintendents.

Moreover, DepEd continues to provide free National Certification (NC) assessments in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

In 2025, over 170,000 SHS Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) learners benefited from these programs, a figure set to grow in the coming year.

Moving forward, DepEd said it will prioritize the implementation of the Philippine Qualifications Framework and the Philippine Skills Framework, facilitating smoother transitions from education to employment for Filipino learners.

Angara also highlighted the importance of a more efficient education system, with flexible classroom programs that allow partnerships with local government units and private institutions.

The newly enhanced Adopt-a-School platform also invites private donors to contribute to classroom construction nationwide.

Under the 2026 budget, DepEd targets the construction of 24,547 classrooms under the Basic Education Facilities Fund (BEFF); the leasing of 1,700 classrooms; the repair of 11,886 classrooms; and the delivery of 105,000 new classrooms under the PSIP initiative.

DepEd said it also continues to invest in technology and artificial intelligence through the Education Center for AI Research (ECAIR), which serves as a hub for evidence-based policies and initiatives.

“Sa ilalim ng Bagong Pilipinas ng ating mahal na Pangulo, mas lalo nating pagtitibayin ang sistema ng edukasyon upang makalikha ng mas maraming oportunidad para sa ating mga kabataan (Under President Marcos’ Bagong Pilipinas, we will further strengthen the education system to create more opportunities for our youth),” Angara said.

With the ratification of the General Appropriations Bill, DepEd said it is poised to sustain the delivery of quality education and continue transforming the Philippine education system in 2026.