Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is pushing for improved job readiness and employability among senior high school (SHS) graduates as the Department of Education (DepEd) prepares to implement its revised SHS curriculum.
DepEd announced that the updated curriculum will roll out in phases starting School Year 2025-2026, reducing core subjects from 15 to 5-7. Schools will also have more flexibility to offer electives, allowing students to specialize in subjects of their choice.
Gatchalian is advocating for the passage of the Batang Magaling Act (Senate Bill No. 2367) to enhance SHS graduates’ work readiness. The bill aligns school curricula and work immersion programs with industry demands identified by businesses and government agencies.
The proposed law would establish a National Batang Magaling Council to bridge the gap between education and industry needs. The council would include DepEd, TESDA, DOLE, national industry and labor representatives, and local government officials. Local councils would also be formed at municipal, city, and provincial levels.
To further improve employability, especially for students in the technical-vocational-livelihood (TVL) track, the senator from Valenzuela proposes making national competency assessments free for SHS graduates seeking national certifications (NCs).
He secured P275.86 million in the 2025 national budget for free assessments and aims to institutionalize them through the Batang Magaling Act.
“Mahalagang matupad natin ang pangako ng K to 12 na maging handa sa trabaho ang mga magtatapos nito. Ngayong nirereporma natin ang senior high school, mahalagang makita ng mga mag-aaral at ng kanilang mga magulang ang benepisyo ng programang ito para sa kanila, lalo na pagdating sa paghahanap ng magandang trabaho,” said Gatchalian, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education.IMT
