SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian expressed support for the rollout of the enhanced Senior High School (SHS) work immersion program in 14 pilot schools, saying the initiative is a positive step toward improving the employability of SHS graduates.

“The rollout of the enhanced Senior High School work immersion in 14 pilot schools should be a boost to the employability of our SHS graduates,” Gatchalian said.

To further strengthen the alignment between education and industry needs, Gatchalian announced plans to refile the Batang Magaling Act when the 20th Congress opens.

The proposed legislation seeks to synchronize SHS curricular offerings and the work immersion component with labor market demands.

“To enhance our SHS graduates’ work readiness, I will refile the Batang Magaling Act,” he said.

“It’s time we ensure that our people truly feel the benefits of the senior high school program, especially in preparing our students for employment,” he added.

The enhanced SHS work immersion initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to address concerns over the effectiveness of the SHS program in boosting job prospects for graduates who do not immediately pursue higher education.

A longtime advocate for education reform, Gatchalian emphasized that equipping SHS students with relevant skills and real-world experience is key to addressing youth unemployment and improving the country’s human capital development.