K-12 Program Debate 2025: Should the Philippines Abolish Senior High School (Grades 11

K-12 Program Debate 2025: Should the Philippines Abolish Senior High School (Grades 11–12)?

In 2013, the Philippines launched the K-12 education reform, adding two years to basic education through Senior High School (SHS). Grades 11 and 12 were designed to equip students for employment, entrepreneurship, or higher education.

Illustration of the 2025 K-12 education debate in the Philippines, showing students and parents questioning Senior High School (Grades 11–12) with protest signs, a diploma, and symbols of financial burden, set in front of a public school with the Philippine flag.

But in 2025, the K-12 program faces new scrutiny. Senator Jinggoy Estrada has filed a proposal to abolish SHS, arguing it has failed in its objectives. The move has sparked widespread public debate. Is it time to remove SHS—or just fix it?

Why Was Senior High School Introduced?

To align with international education standards
To make students employment-ready after graduation
To improve readiness for college or vocational training

The Department of Education (DepEd) introduced four SHS tracks: Academic, Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL), Sports, and Arts and Design. Each was meant to prepare students based on their interests and goals.

Why Critics Want SHS Abolished

1. Lack of Job Opportunities for Graduates

Despite claims that SHS would improve employability, most graduates still struggle to land decent jobs. Employers continue to prefer college graduates, rendering the SHS promise unfulfilled.

2. Financial Burden on Families

Two extra years of schooling mean added expenses—for transport, uniforms, projects, and fees. For many working-class families, this makes education less accessible.

3. Implementation Gaps

From its rollout, SHS has been hampered by lack of classrooms, training, and resources. Many teachers handle multiple subjects. Facilities for TVL tracks are often inadequate or outdated.

4. Senator Estrada’s 2025 Proposal

Senator Jinggoy Estrada recently proposed abolishing SHS entirely, citing its ineffectiveness and the burden it imposes on families. Read the full story here.

Why Others Want to Retain and Reform SHS

1. International Standardization

Most countries follow a 12-year basic education system. Removing SHS may hinder Filipino students from studying or working abroad due to non-equivalency in credentials.

2. Skill and Career Development

Many argue that SHS allows students to explore vocational and technical skills early. Tracks like TVL provide foundational training even if job outcomes aren’t yet strong.

3. DepEd’s Plan to Revise the Curriculum

New Education Secretary Sonny Angara has committed to revising the overloaded SHS curriculum. Core subjects will be reduced, and industry partnerships will be improved.

4. Long-Term Reform Over Short-Term Relief

Reform advocates believe the solution is to fix systemic gaps in SHS rather than abolish it completely. Some suggest making SHS optional for non-college-bound students.

Public Reaction and Social Media Buzz

A viral Facebook post sparked intense reactions—many commenters feel SHS is a waste of time, while others argue it has potential if improved.

Common sentiments:

“Still unemployed after SHS—what was it for?”
“Keep SHS but improve it. It’s not perfect, but we need it.”
“Make SHS optional depending on the student’s path.”

Conclusion: Reform or Repeal?

The debate over SHS is not just about education—it’s about equity, opportunity, and how we prepare youth for the future. While abolishing SHS may ease short-term burdens, it may also set back long-term development.

Instead of discarding SHS, the smarter move may be to finally invest in making it work. Stakeholders must engage, and reforms must focus on employability, accessibility, and practical curriculum design.