THE Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) yesterday opposed the proposals to scrap the senior high school (SHS) program, saying such moves would be “untimely” and “dangerously shortsighted.”
In a statement, CEAP said: “The SHS program, launched in 2016, was not an accident of policy but a product of one that sought to raise our education system to meet international benchmarks and respond to the evolving needs of Filipino learners and the labor market.”
“Reverting to a 10-year cycle would dismantle existing structures, waste public and private investment, and once again send Filipino students to college or into the workforce underprepared,” it added.
“Rather than breaking what is still being built, government should commit to a full review of SHS implementation and institute reforms where necessary, without sacrificing its gains,” it said.
It pointed out that adopting “tangible, cost-effective improvements” will yield stronger employment outcomes over time.
“We must double down on efforts to fulfill the original promise of SHS: To equip every Filipino youth with the tools, competencies, and values needed for success in life and nation-building. Reform, not repeal, is the only rational and just way forward,” added the CEAP, which has around 1,500 member schools nationwide.
Last month, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada filed a measure seeking to rationalize the basic education system in the country by scrapping the senior high school program.
Estrada noted that the SHS has “not fully achieved its goal” to produce skilled and job-ready graduates since it was launched in 2016.
