Poe asks private sector: Hire K to 12 graduates

MANILA, Philippines — The private sector should hire graduates of the K to 12 program to enable them to find decent and fulfilling jobs, Sen. Grace Poe said yesterday.

Poe has filed Senate Resolution 700 calling on the private sector to employ the first batch of senior high school (SHS) graduates and allow them to experience actual work.

“The successful implementation of the reforms under Republic Act 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act requires the cooperation of the private sector, as they comprise a major part of the demand-side of the job market,” she said.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) raised concerns over job readiness of K to 12 graduates amid their minimum number of training hours.

The PCCI said the 80 hours or two weeks minimum requirement for the on-the-job training for SHS would not be enough to equip students with the skills they need to join the workforce.

The Department of Education (DepEd) assured the private sector that K to 12 graduates are ready and equipped with values, knowledge and skills that communities, businesses and industries need.

“One of the key selling points of the K to 12 Act when it was deliberated in plenary by Congress was that graduates of the basic education system would be immediately ready for employment,” Poe said.

She said hiring the first batch of K to 12 graduates would ensure the successful implementation of the law.