In 2012, the Department of Education started modelling the Senior High School program prior to its full implementation in 2016. 54 schools located in different parts of the country were selected to offer four main tracks—Academic, Technical-Vocational, Sports, and Arts and Design.
This pioneer batch graduated this year and is now reaping the benefits of the additional 2-year program.
“Dahil sa Senior High School, nagkaroon kami ng background sa mga pinag-aaralan na namin ngayon sa college,” said Eunilicia Joy Maniquis, an SHS graduate of Don Alejandro E. Roces Science and Technology HS. She opted to pursue higher education and is now a Food Technology Major in Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST).
“May mga bagay sa SHS na nakatulong para madagdagan ang confidence ko, kaya tingin ko ready na ako ngayon sa college,” she added.
Meanwhile, Richard Neil Dizon, an automotive service graduate of the same school, is now handling their family business of automotive repairs. “Malaking tulong ang kurso ko sa Senior High School dahil kaya nang iwan ng tatay ko sakin ang negosyo at kaya ko nang humarap sa mga customer namin,” he said.
Richard shared his reaction upon learning about the SHS Program and said, “Noong narinig ko yung SHS, naisip ko na ito na ang pagkakataon kong makapag-aral ng libre. Ang kailangan lang namin gawin ay pumasok, matuto, at i-apply ang aming mga natutunan.”
In Leyte, Merlinda Muana was part of the 100 SHS graduates who specialized in welding and. “Noong nalaman ko na mayroong libreng edukasyon na makakatulong sa mas madaling paghahanap ng trabaho, kinuha ko na agad,” she tearfully explained. Now, at the age of 21, Merlinda is working for a private construction and development corporation.
DepEd highlights benefits of Senior High School
At present, over 10,000 students are enrolled in DepEd’s Senior High School Modelling Program for SY 2013-2014.
“The Senior High School Program lets our learners choose the appropriate tracks they see fit for them. It gives them the opportunity to choose their own tracks depending on their life plans,” said Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC. He added that after graduating from SHS, the learners will be equipped to either continue with higher education or immediately be included in the work force.
Last SY 2013-2014, there were 5,756 students enrolled in Grade 11 and 4,246 students enrolled in Grade 12.
Strengthening SHS’s establishment
Luistro reiterates that, “With the completion of the revised K-10 and SHS curriculum, DepEd will continue to provide for the educational needs of the learners. The first edition of the curriculum guides for Senior High School is already available online.”
DepEd continues to strengthen its partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the local government units (LGU), and private partners for the further expansion of the SHS Program.
