SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian is advocating for improvements in the job readiness and employability of Senior High School graduates in anticipation of the revised SHS curriculum rollout.

The Department of Education has announced that the revised SHS curriculum will be implemented in phases starting in School Year 2025-2026. The revised framework will reduce core subjects from 15 to 5-7, while allowing schools to offer electives that align with students’ career interests.

To further enhance the employability of SHS graduates, Gatchalian is pushing for the passage of the Batang Magaling Act (Senate Bill No. 2367). The measure seeks to align SHS curricular offerings and work immersion programs with industry demands, ensuring that graduates are equipped with skills relevant to the job market.

The proposed law also aims to establish a National Batang Magaling Council, which will include representatives from the Department of Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Labor and Employment, industry partners, labor groups, and local government units.

Additionally, Local Batang Magaling Councils will be formed at the municipal, city, and provincial levels to further strengthen the alignment between education and industry needs.

To support SHS graduates, particularly those in the technical-vocational-livelihood  track, Gatchalian is also advocating for free national competency assessments. He successfully lobbied for a ₱275.86 million allocation in the 2025 national budget to fund these assessments and certification processes. Through the Batang Magaling Act, he aims to institutionalize free assessments for all SHS graduates.

“It is crucial that we fulfill the promise of K to 12— to produce work-ready graduates. As we reform the senior high school system, students and parents must see the real benefits of the program, especially in securing quality jobs,” Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education, said.