Graduates reaping benefits of new high school program

MANILA, Philippines - The first batch of Senior High School graduates in the country are now reaping the benefits of the additional two years in the basic education system, the Department of Education (DepEd) said yesterday.

DepEd cited the stories of three individuals, who belong to the first batch of graduates of the SHS program this year.

In 2012, the agency piloted the program in 54 schools across the country prior to its full implementation in school year 2016-2017.

Richard Neil Dizon, an automotive service graduate of the Don Alejandro E. Roces Science and Technology High School, is now handling their family business of automotive repairs, according to DepEd.

“My course in the Senior High School has helped me a lot. When I took over our family business from my father, I already know how to deal with our customers,” Dizon was quoted as saying.

A SHS graduate from Leyte Merlinda Muana, 21, is now working for a private construction and development corporation after specializing in welding.

Eunilicia Joy Maniquis, who is also a SHS graduate of the Don Alejandro E. Roces Science and Technology HS, said she opted to pursue higher education and is now a Food Technology major at the Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST).

“I gained more confidence to take this course because of the things I learned from the SHS,” she said. “The SHS program has prepared me for college,” she added.

Last school year, there were 5,756 students enrolled in Grade 11 and 4,246 students enrolled in Grade 12.

“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,” Education Secretary Armin Luistro said.

He said after graduating from the SHS, the students will be equipped to either pursue a college degree or join the workforce.