The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) has urged the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to collaborate on revising the Senior High School (SHS) curriculum to ensure graduates are college-ready.
During a hearing on March 13, 2025, EDCOM 2 Co-Chairpersons Rep. Roman Romulo and Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian emphasized the need for both agencies to work together in refining the curriculum and streamlining its implementation.
“When K-12 was introduced way back in 2013, it promised that Senior High School graduates will be job-ready or college-ready. But this is not the case we are seeing now,” EDCOM 2 Co-chairperson Rep. Roman Romulo said.
The EDCOM 2 Year Two Report revealed that while around 53.9% of SHS graduates pursue higher education, a significant number enter the workforce in private establishments or informal employment. The report attributed this to the graduates’ lack of necessary skills for both higher education and employment, as well as the misalignment between SHS and college curricula.
During the hearing, DepEd presented its plan to revamp the SHS curriculum, set to take effect in the 2025-2026 school year. The proposed changes include reducing the number of SHS tracks from four to two: the Technical Professional Track and the Academic Track. According to Assistant Secretary for Curriculum and Teaching Janir Datukan, this revision aims to provide clearer pathways for SHS graduates, whether they choose to continue their studies or join the workforce.
The redesigned curriculum will also significantly decrease the number of required subjects, from 31 to an estimated 7-20. This includes four core subjects and up to 16 elective subjects, allowing students to choose between “doorway” or “cross-tracking” options.
Romulo urged CHED and DepEd to ensure that the revised SHS curriculum aligns with the core competencies required for college readiness. He stressed that CHED, as the governing body for higher education, must provide clear guidelines on the knowledge, skills, and abilities students need to succeed in college.
“Hinabaan na ang basic education, pero wala pa ring changes in the GE subjects in college, kasi sinasabi ng CHED na hindi pa daw college-ready ang students, and that they still need bridging programs,” Romulo said.
Gatchalian echoed Romulo’s concerns and called on CHED to explore the possibility of removing bridging programs in college curricula. Citing a survey conducted by his office, he pointed out that many respondents were dissatisfied with the implementation of the SHS program.
“Talk to your Commission (CHED), to the DepEd, to [CHED Chairman Popoy de Vera]. Is removing the bridging programs not possible? The entire system promised that when we move into K-12, we will be shortening college. We’re strengthening basic education, para hindi na mahaba sa higher ed, kumbaga specializations nalang. Kaso hindi nangyari ‘yon eh,” Gatchalian said to CHED representatives.
