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Philippines to Offer Students Two K-12 Paths


Manila, Philippines – A proposed House bill aims to overhaul the Philippines’ K-12 education system by offering students two distinct academic paths after Grade 10. House Bill 11213, dubbed “An Act Providing Education Pathways for Basic Education Students,” seeks to alleviate the financial burden on families and address concerns about the current system’s effectiveness.

Sponsored by Lone Pasig Representative Roman Romulo, Chairman of the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture, the bill, which passed its second reading, would allow qualified Grade 10 graduates to bypass senior high school (SHS) and proceed directly to college or a technical-vocational program.

The bill introduces a “University Preparatory Program” for high-achieving students. This program would offer a comprehensive SHS curriculum designed to prepare students for college admissions, eliminating the need for specialized tracks or strands. The curriculum’s college credits would be applicable across various degree programs.



Students who don’t meet the academic requirements for university entry would instead have the option to enroll in a Technical-Vocational Program administered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Representative Romulo emphasized the bill’s goal of creating a more inclusive and adaptable education system: “It is crucial to provide diverse pathways that cater to students’ unique abilities and talents, empowering them to excel based on their individual strengths.”

This initiative comes in response to widespread dissatisfaction with the current K-12 program. A 2022 Pulse Asia survey revealed that 44% of Filipinos were unhappy with the system. Furthermore, a 2020 Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) study highlighted that only 20% of SHS graduates enter the workforce directly after graduation, with many pursuing higher education to enhance their job prospects. PIDS also noted that employers often favor applicants with higher education credentials.

Representative Romulo believes this bill will offer a solution, providing “every Filipino with diverse pathways to achieve their educational aspirations.” He explained, “High-achieving students will be encouraged to pursue higher education, while those with technical skills will receive enhanced opportunities to hone their abilities, contributing positively to society.”



The current K-12 system, established by Republic Act No. 10533 (Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013), added two years of SHS to broaden educational goals. While considered a significant reform, the bill’s proponents argue that adjustments are needed to better meet the needs of all Filipino students.


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