COTABATO 3rd District Rep. Ma. Alana Samantha Talino Santos pushes for a measure amending Section 9 of Republic Act 10533 or an Act Enhancing the Philippine Basic Education System by strengthening its curriculum and increasing the number of years of Basic Education.

In her House Bill 7885, the solon said there exists a continuing gap in the employment of Senior High School graduates.

She cited in her measure a study showing only a little over 20 percent of SHS students enter the labor force.

“In 2023, only a little more than 10 percent were actually able to land a job. This proves that SHS graduates oftentimes struggle finding jobs right after graduation,” the solon said in her explanatory note.

Santos also cited another study stating that 20 percent of 70 leading companies in the Philippines are inclined to hire senior high graduates, as businesses are inclined towards hiring college graduates or those with at least two years of college education.

“Often cited is the aversion in hiring SHS graduates due to the prevailing impression that non-college graduates are not prepared for employment,” she added.

The lawmaker said one way of bridging the gap between SHS graduates and the job market is by establishing job placement centers, offering career consultations, and industry matching within senior high schools.

Through the Trabaho Centers proposed in this legislation, we can create a pathway of our SHS graduates to access job opportunities that match their skills and meet the demand of the market.

The bill aims to provide strategic support to the youth as they navigate the job market towards financial stability and reduced unemployment.