CHR backs bills boosting senior high grads’ employability

The Commission of Human Rights (CHR) joins calls for passing bills that would improve the employability of senior high school graduates under the K-12 program. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission of Human Rights (CHR) has joined calls to pass measures that would improve the employability of senior high school graduates under the K-12 program.

It said such a bill would give senior high school graduates added competitiveness in the country’s workforce.

“Given the growing demand for a more expansive labor market in the Philippines, the Commission fully supports these proposed bills to accommodate and adapt seamlessly according to the need to offer sustainable opportunities to SHS graduates while ensuring that they [can] enhance their employability and competitiveness in the workforce,” the CHR said in its statement Thursday.

READ: Gatchalian pushes anew bill to boost SHS graduates’ employability

The proposed Batang Magaling Act, filed in three separate bills by Representatives Camille Villar, Stella Quimbo, and Gus Tambunting, aims to give senior high school graduates the “knowledge, training, and skills demanded in the labor market.”

The bills were filed following studies saying employers were less likely to accept senior high school graduates into the labor force.

Once approved, it will create a council composed of the Department of Education and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, among others.

In July 2023, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian filed Senate Resolution No. 2367, which also aims to resolve the employment issues of senior high school graduates.

“Within the Philippine setting, it is important to recognize that senior high school graduates should carry with them the competencies and skills which equip them not just for their journey towards college, but also in terms of being employment-ready,” the CHR said.

“We underscore that consistent monitoring and evaluation of the K-12 program is necessary to consistently assess the developments needed in the curriculum to respond to the growing needs of Filipino students,” it added.