First graduates find senior HS useful

Members of the country’s first senior high school (SHS) classes appear to be already reaping the rewards of the additional two years of studies.

The Department of Education (DepEd) modeled in 2012 the SHS program, which will be fully implemented in 2016.

It selected 54 schools in different parts of the country to offer four main tracks: academic, technical-vocational, sports, and arts and design.

The pioneering SHS students graduated this year.

Eunilicia Joy Maniquis of Don Alejandro E. Roces Science and Technology High School (DAERSTHS) said the additional two years gave her a better preparation for the subjects she was now studying in college.  Maniquis is a food technology student at  Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (Earist).

She said there were things she learned during the two years of SHS that gave her confidence she was ready for college.

Richard Neil Dizon, an automotive service graduate also of DAERSTHS, is now handling the family automotive repair business.

He said that because of what he learned in SHS, his father could now leave him in charge of their business. He was also better able to deal with customers.

Dizon said that when he heard about the SHS program, he immediately realized it was a chance for him to study for free and acquire more skills.

In Leyte province, Merlinda Muana was among 100 SHS graduates who specialized in welding. The 21-year-old said she grabbed the opportunity for a free education that would make it easier for her to find gainful employment.

She is now working for a private construction and development corporation.

At present, over 10,000 students are enrolled in the  DepEd’s Senior High School Modeling Program for school year 2014-2015.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro said the SHS program let learners choose the tracks appropriate for them, depending on their life plans. He said that after graduation from SHS, learners would have the tools to either pursue higher education or join the workforce.

In school year 2013-2014, there were 5,756 students in Grade 11 and 4,246 students in Grade 12.

Luistro said that with the completion of the revised K to 10 (kindergarten to Grade 10) and SHS curricula, the DepEd would continue to provide for the educational needs of learners.

He said the first edition of SHS curriculum guides was already available online.

The DepEd was also strengthening its partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Commission on Higher Education, local governments and the private sector for the further expansion of the SHS program.