The Department of Education (DepEd), in partnership with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), has recently taken a significant step in reshaping the future of Senior High School (SHS) graduates. Through a newly signed agreement, reforms are being implemented to make education more responsive to the needs of the workforce. Among these reforms are the decongestion of the SHS curriculum and the increase of work immersion hours from 340 to 640.

This initiative is designed to give students more time to gain hands-on experience, apply theoretical knowledge, and immerse themselves in actual workplace environments. By doing so, graduates will not only carry academic knowledge but also the confidence, skills, and adaptability required in real-world professional settings. Alongside this, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) has also opened new opportunities by allowing Grade 10 and 12 graduates to qualify for first-level government jobs—expanding career pathways beyond private sector employment.

For teachers, these changes carry meaningful implications. With a decongested curriculum, educators are challenged to focus on the essentials: the core competencies that will directly translate to employability. Lessons must now be designed with stronger integration of real-life applications, ensuring that students see clear connections between classroom learning and workplace demands.

Furthermore, teachers are expected to play a more active role in fostering partnerships with industries and government offices. The extended immersion program requires coordination, guidance, and monitoring that inevitably broaden the teacher’s role from classroom instructor to mentor and career coach. This means not only preparing students academically but also equipping them with soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and professional ethics.

While these reforms may add to teachers’ responsibilities, they also highlight the vital role educators play in national development. By shaping employable graduates and guiding them toward viable career paths, teachers become catalysts for bridging education and employment. Ultimately, this initiative strengthens the link between classrooms and careers, creating a generation of workforce-ready, future-ready Filipinos who can contribute meaningfully to society.

Source: https://qa.philstar.com/headlines/2025/06/04/2448063/deped-pcci-boost-k-12-graduates-employability