The Department of Education (DepEd) has ramped up its efforts to enhance the Senior High School (SHS) Program by conducting a series of strategic consultations with stakeholders, private sector representatives, and industry partners, aiming to equip Filipino learners for the demands of the future.
These vital dialogues, held on January 8, 10, and 15, brought together 31 private schools and technical vocational institutions (TVIs), 14 diverse companies and organizations, 7 key government agencies, and various representatives from DepEd Central Office. The objective was clear: gather critical feedback and incisive recommendations to refine and elevate the SHS curriculum.
“We must ensure our high school graduates are not only employable but poised for quality employment. They deserve opportunities beyond jobs that barely provide a living wage; they must be able to support their families and lead a dignified life,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara underscored.
Central to the SHS Program’s overhaul are key principles: decongesting and simplifying the curriculum, prioritizing learner choice, ensuring “stackability and seamlessness” for educational progression, and bolstering industry linkages.
The DepEd Chief reaffirmed that these consultations signify a continuous collaboration aimed at perpetual improvement of education policies and curriculum. “As I promised, our discussions with TESDA, industry, and private institutions will be an ongoing process. The industry will continually evolve, and so must we,” he asserted.
Secretary Angara urged stakeholders and partners to persist in their support, “With your collaboration, we can swiftly develop impactful solutions. Continuous refinement of our strategies is essential.”
Complementing these efforts, the Curriculum and Teaching (CT) strand held an interface with Curriculum and Human Resource officials and field personnel from 16 Regional and 128 Schools Division Offices to deliberate on the proposed SHS curriculum.
Local consultations, spearheaded by Regional CLMD Chiefs, will also take place from January 24 to February 24.
The SHS consultations were led by the Curriculum and Teaching Strand through the Bureau of Curriculum Development and the Office of the Secretary.
