DepEd: Give SHS grads a fighting chance at jobs

Education Secretary Sonny Angara yesterday asked members of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) to give senior high school graduates a fighting chance amid efforts of the government to ensure the employability of students who will finish SHS.

- By BELLA CARIASO

In his speech during the MAP General Membership Meeting in Taguig City, Angara cited efforts of the Department of Education to improve the curriculum of the K to 12 program.

“Give our graduates a fighting chance. Let us examine our entry-level requirements and ask: does this job truly require a four-year degree, or does it require grit and trainability? By valuing demonstrated competency, you unlock a vast, eager and capable talent pool of Senior High School graduates,” Angara said.

He noted that the DepEd is shifting toward structured apprenticeships and high-quality work immersion programs as genuine pathways to employment.

He also asked the MAP to help the DepEd about emerging technologies and the skills that companies need.

“With artificial intelligence on the rise, we cannot afford both a learning and digital gap for our youngest citizens. Our next generation of movers, thinkers and builders must go beyond finding jobs in our future economy. They must help create that economy alongside all of you,” he said.