In a significant move to enhance the educational framework, the Department of Education in the Cordillera Administrative Region (DepEd-CAR) has initiated a consultation process to revise the Senior High School (SHS) curriculum. This initiative, which took place at the National Educators Academy of the Philippines in La Trinidad, aims to address the shortcomings of the current K-12 system in preparing students for future careers or further studies.
Assistant Regional Director Ronald Castillo emphasized that the feedback collected during the workshop will be crucial for the finalization of the curriculum, which is slated for a pilot rollout in the 2025-2026 school year. The proposed changes include a significant reduction in the number of subjects from 31 to between 9 and 12, and a decrease in technical-vocational electives from 173 to 43. Additionally, the strand structure will be removed to provide students with greater flexibility in acquiring both academic and technical skills.
A notable enhancement is the increase in work immersion hours from 80 to 620, designed to offer students more practical experience. Dr. Jennifer Ande, Chief Education Supervisor for the Curriculum and Learning Management Division at DepEd-CAR, stressed the importance of partnering with high-quality organizations to ensure that these extended immersion periods are beneficial and meaningful for students.
Jhona Saldo, a Grade 12 student from the Tublay School of Home Industries, supported the increase in immersion hours but highlighted the need for placements that provide real-world job experience. The consultation saw participation from a wide array of stakeholders, including parents, students, local government officials, school representatives, industry partners, and educators, all contributing to the shaping of the new curriculum.
The revisions are in response to directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who has called for a curriculum that better aligns with industry needs and stakeholder expectations. The DepEd is now consolidating regional inputs to refine the curriculum before its pilot implementation across the nation.