SENATOR Camille Villar has filed a measure aimed at ensuring that Senior High School (SHS) graduates under the K to 12 Program are equipped with the knowledge, training, and skills demanded in today’s labor market.

Under Senate Bill No. 1755, or the proposed Batang Magaling Act, Villar said the primary objective is to establish a more responsive and functional basic education system—one that develops productive, responsible citizens with essential competencies, skills, and values for lifelong learning and employment.

The senator emphasized that the State must provide every student with access to quality education that is globally competitive, anchored on a sound curriculum aligned with international standards.

Villar noted that the enactment of the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 introduced the K to 12 Program, which envisions SHS graduates as employment-ready. However, she stressed the need to reinforce this goal.

“The measure seeks to ensure that SHS graduates are truly prepared—whether they pursue higher education, middle-level skills development, employment, or entrepreneurship—thereby enhancing their employability and competitiveness,” Villar said.

A key feature of the bill is the creation of Batang Magaling National and Local Councils. These bodies will serve as mechanisms for active collaboration and meaningful communication between education institutions, industry partners, and government agencies.

The councils will help ensure that curricular offerings and work immersion programs are regularly updated and aligned with current labor market demands.

They are also mandated to conduct regular labor market demand studies. Data from these studies will guide the development of work immersion components, Batang Magaling roadmaps, and related SHS programs, ensuring that graduates acquire skills that are relevant and in demand.