DepEd: K to 12 to help ease unemployment

MANILA, Philippines - High school  graduates under the K to 12 program can find employment or start their own livelihood because they will be trained in vocational and technical skills, according to the Department of Education (DepEd).

Education Secretary Armin Luistro said the additional two years in high school are intended to further hone the skills and talents of students for their chosen career path – in arts, sports, technical vocational and entrepreneurship – or tertiary education to help ease unemployment in the country.

“It is expected to give graduates better choices in the field of work or further education,” Luistro said.

Under the K to 12 program, which was signed into law by President Aquino last May 15, students may choose an educational track based on aptitude, interests and school capacity which will define the content of the subjects they will take in senior high school (Grades 11 and 12).

The academic track includes business, accountancy, and management (BAM); humanities, education, social sciences (HESS); and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Luistro also urged public and private colleges and universities to put up “specialized” senior high school programs.

He said public and private colleges and universities that plan to offer programs for senior high school should base their programs on the kind of jobs needed in their respective areas.

“For instance in Batangas, there is high demand for ship repair so the schools can offer welding (course for senior high school students),” Luistro said in an earlier interview.

Senior high school will be implemented nationwide beginning school year 2016-2017.

Last school year, the DepEd pilot tested the senior high school in 30 schools nationwide. The first batch of Grade 12 students under the K-to-12 program will graduate in 2018.

The K to 12 law also makes Kindergarten mandatory among five year olds. A DepEd study showed that children who attended preschool significantly do better in high school than children who did not.