Key takeaways:
- Sara Z. Duterte invited the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) to participate in reviewing the Senior High School (SHS) Curriculum during a speech at the 49th Philippine Business Conference and Expo.
- The National Tracer Study for SY 2017-2018 by the Department of Education (DepEd) revealed that only 10% of SHS graduates were employed, with the majority continuing higher education.
- Duterte stressed the need for collaboration among stakeholders, including PCCI, to prepare future leaders and innovators who can adapt to the evolving job market.
- Last year, Duterte urged the business sector to hire K-12 graduates and move away from the “diploma mentality” during the 48th Philippine Business Conference and Expo.
Sara Z. Duterte, the vice president of the Philippines and education secretary, extended an invitation to the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) during her keynote speech at the 49th Philippine Business Conference and Expo in Manila.
She urged PCCI to participate in the ongoing review of the Senior High School (SHS) Curriculum, emphasizing the potential for PCCI to enhance the employability of SHS graduates.
Duterte recognized the necessity for expert insights in adapting teaching methodologies to the digital era, stating, “We need all the help that we can get from the experts, from you. Today’s learners grow up in a digital era, and it is critical that we adapt our teaching to prepare them for the future.”
According to the Department of Education’s (DepEd) National Tracer Study for SY 2017-2018, only about 10% of SHS graduate respondents were employed. Among these, 7% completed the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood track, and 3% pursued the academic track. The study revealed that nearly 83% of SHS graduates continued higher education, while 1% ventured into entrepreneurship.
Duterte emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive approach to improving basic education, highlighting the importance of collaboration and commitment from all stakeholders, including the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She stressed the significance of preparing future leaders and innovators capable of meeting the demands of the fast-changing job market.
Last year, at the 48th Philippine Business Conference and Expo, Duterte encouraged the business sector to hire K-12 graduates, emphasizing the need to dismiss the “diploma mentality” and enable graduates to contribute to their families and nation-building.
In May, the Department of Education established the SHS National Task Force (NTF), which is currently reviewing the SHS curriculum. The SHS NTF is expected to collaborate with partners on relevant studies for program improvement and plans to present its accomplishments and outputs next year.◼
(Photo from PCCI’s official FB)
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