To better prepare senior high school (SHS) students for the workplace environment, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian urged for the swift passage of Senate Bill No. 2367 also known as the “Batang Magaling” Act, a measure aimed at strengthening SHS work immersion programs.
Gatchalian’s call followed a recent agreement between the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Private Sector Jobs and Skills Corporation (PCORP) that seeks to enhance these programs by aligning them with industry standards.
The Memorandum of Agreement, signed in the presence of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. last week, will see 10 public schools participating in a pilot program.
The initiative also includes curriculum alignment, focused on equipping students with skills tailored to industry needs, and additional support such as teacher training and job fairs.
Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education, welcomed the partnership as a significant step toward realizing the objectives of the Batang Magaling Act.
The proposed legislation seeks not only to ensure SHS graduates are work-ready but also to institutionalize free national competency assessments for national certifications.
It also mandates the creation of the National Batang Magaling Council, comprising key government agencies, industry partners, and labor groups.
DepEd Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara emphasized that the program offers students extensive work immersion opportunities, ensuring they acquire valuable skills and certifications that enhance their employability.
Angara also plans to continue the revised “MATATAG Curriculum” for Kindergarten to Grade 10, which is being implemented in phases this School Year 2024-2025. The curriculum will be regularly reviewed and adjusted based on feedback from teachers and students.
