THE DEPARTMENT of Education and the Japan International Cooperation Agency in the Philippines held a survey to assess the employability of senior high school graduates.

The survey aims to evaluate the long-term impact of SHS graduates in the labor market, comparing it to those who did not proceed to Grade 11 and 12 during the K to 12 policy transition period.

“We appreciate JICA’s support and collaboration in conducting this survey that will aid the Department determine the effectivity of the curriculum in making every graduate a contributor to social development and nation-building,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said.

The survey is in relation to the former technical cooperation project “Supporting Senior High School Program in Technical Vocational High Schools” conducted by JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute in 2012 and 2015.

“Every curriculum created by DepEd will always be based from various data and researches from our stakeholders. Conducting this survey on the employability of our graduates is welcome as this will serve as inputs and references in crafting education policies,” Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction Diosdado San Antonio noted.

The respondents in the survey were the 2,313 graduates of 29 senior high schools who were interviewed in the survey in 2015.

JICA identified seven participating schools from Region 3, six from National Capital Region, four from Region 10, and three each from Regions 2, 4, 6, and 7.

“[The] K to 12 curriculum made our graduates more equipped in the field they wish to take. Our office is calling on the participation of everyone concerned in this survey and help us in improving the curriculum that will cater to the needs of our learners, the labor market, and our country,” Bureau of Curriculum Development Director Jocelyn Andaya said.

The DepEd and JICA called on the graduates of the 29 senior high schools that were included in the previous surveys to take part in the final survey.