SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian has called for urgent reforms in the country’s higher education system to ensure that college graduates are better prepared for the job market.

He cited data from the Commission on Higher Education showing a rising number of unemployed graduates, which he said highlights a persistent mismatch between academic training and labor market demands.

“The rise in unemployed graduates shows a clear mismatch between our graduates’ skills and industry needs,” Gatchalian said.

He underscored the need to align education programs with industry requirements, citing his proposed Three-Year College Education (3CE) Act.

The measure seeks to introduce specialization-focused college programs anchored on assessed industry needs, international standards, and global best practices.

“Para saan ang diploma kung wala namang mapapasukang trabaho?” the senator asked.

“Parents sacrifice so much to send their children to school, hoping that education will lead to employment and a better life. We cannot allow that hope to be wasted,” he added.

Gatchalian stressed that bridging the gap between higher education and employment opportunities is vital to improving the lives of Filipino families and sustaining national development.