SENATE Committee on Basic Education Chairman Sherwin Gatchalian highlighted that a significant number of Filipinos remain dissatisfied with the government’s implementation of the K to 12 program and Senior High School curriculum.

Gatchalian revealed the results of a March 2025 survey, showing that only 32% of respondents were satisfied with the K-12 program, while 42% expressed dissatisfaction. Similarly, only 33% were satisfied with the SHS curriculum, compared to 40% who were dissatisfied.

Gatchalian noted a sharp decline in public satisfaction over the years. In 2019, 50% of Filipinos were satisfied with the K-12 program, with only 28% expressing dissatisfaction. However, by 2023, satisfaction dropped to 32%, and dissatisfaction rose to 52%.

He explained that, following the COVID-19 pandemic, many families are struggling due to job and business losses, and parents now view the additional two years of Senior High School as an added financial burden.

“This is a crucial issue that the Department of Education must address,” Gatchalian said, emphasizing the need for the government to fulfill the original promise of the SHS program: to ensure that graduates are either college-ready or job-ready, particularly for those in the technical-vocational track.

He urged DepEd to implement reforms that would demonstrate the value and effectiveness of Senior High School in preparing Filipino youth for their future.