Education is not just about getting a job—it’s about preparing students for life. The recent efforts to make Senior High School (SHS) optional for technical-vocational (tech-voc) students and to reduce the number of SHS subjects are alarming moves that weaken the foundation of Philippine education. While both proposals claim to improve employability, they actually risk creating a workforce that lacks essential academic and critical thinking skills, widening the gap between those who pursue college and those who do not.  

The Education Pathways Act introduces a two-track system where students can either continue Grades 11 and 12 under DepEd’s college preparatory program or skip them entirely for a tech-voc track under TESDA. This creates an education divide, where tech-voc students may receive less comprehensive learning, limiting their long-term opportunities. While technical skills are valuable, making SHS optional implies that some students deserve a full education while others do not. If they later decide to pursue college, they may find themselves at a disadvantage due to gaps in their learning.  

Meanwhile, the SHS Curriculum Simplification proposal by DepEd aims to reduce core subjects to five or six, focusing instead on work immersion. While streamlining education is important, cutting fundamental subjects in English, Science, and Math will harm students' ability to think critically and adapt to different career paths. This move treats education as mere job training rather than a foundation for lifelong learning.  

Both measures ultimately lower the quality of education in the Philippines. Instead of taking shortcuts, the government should focus on strengthening SHS through improved implementation, better teacher training, and closer alignment between education and industry needs—without sacrificing academic depth.  

A truly strong education system does not limit students’ choices—it expands them. By opposing these policies, we stand for an education system that ensures all students, regardless of their path, receive a complete, well-rounded education that prepares them for both employment and lifelong success.