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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DepEd initiative bridges school-to-work gap for senior high school graduates

DepEd initiative bridges school-to-work gap for senior high school graduates

Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair connects SHS graduates to jobs, free government services

Published Mar 19, 2026 03:59 pm
DepEd brings government services to schools through the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair to help SHS graduates transition smoothly into the workforce. (DepEd photo)
DepEd brings government services to schools through the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair to help SHS graduates transition smoothly into the workforce. (DepEd photo)
Aiming to remove financial and bureaucratic barriers that often prevent Senior High School (SHS) graduates from securing employment, the Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday, March 19, rolled out the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) across three major public schools in Metro Manila.
In a statement, DepEd said the initiative, which functions as a one-stop shop, aims to deliver essential government services directly on school campuses, targeting graduating students in the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) track and the Alternative Learning System (ALS).
These groups, DepEd said, frequently face difficulties entering the workforce due to the high cost and complexity of obtaining pre-employment requirements.
DepEd said the rollout follows a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to better align the K-12 curriculum with industry demands and eliminate barriers to employment.
By decentralizing access to government services, DepEd aims to ensure that graduates are job-ready upon completing their studies.
“We are bringing the government closer to our learners to ensure that their transition from the classroom to the workplace is seamless and cost-free, as envisioned by President Marcos,” Angara said. “Through these reforms and partnerships, we are transforming our graduates into highly employable assets who are ready to contribute to our nation’s growth,” he added.
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara leads the rollout of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair at Makati High School, a key government initiative providing graduating senior high school students with cost-free access to essential pre-employment services and job opportunities. (DepEd photo)
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara leads the rollout of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair at Makati High School, a key government initiative providing graduating senior high school students with cost-free access to essential pre-employment services and job opportunities. (DepEd photo)
Implemented in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and other government agencies, the program offers free processing of key employment documents in line with the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act. This eliminates the need for multiple trips to different offices, significantly reducing both processing time and out-of-pocket expenses.
DepEd estimates that each student can save more than P1,000 in clearance fees and transportation costs—an important relief for families grappling with rising fuel prices linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
The Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair is currently being conducted in three schools: Tala National High School in Caloocan City, expected to serve 488 beneficiaries; Makati High School in Barangay Poblacion, with 290 beneficiaries; and Mataas na Paaralang Neptali A. Gonzales in Mandaluyong City, with 397 beneficiaries.
Beyond document processing, DepEd said the initiative also provides job-matching services and career guidance, connecting graduates directly with potential employers and helping bridge the gap between education and industry needs.
DepEd said the program has also secured strong support from the private sector, with dozens of companies participating and offering job opportunities to graduating students.
With approximately 550,000 SHS-TVL students expected to graduate nationwide, DepEd said it plans to expand the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair to more areas, reinforcing the administration’s push to enhance employability and streamline school-to-work transitions.

Related Tags

Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair SHS graduates employability DepEd job readiness program free pre-employment documents Philippines TVL graduates jobs DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara K to 12 Philippines
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