The Philippines started implementing the enhanced curriculum K-12 in 2013, ratified by the

law known as RA no. 10533. It aims to develop the Filipino students’ skills in various fields like
Mathematics, Science and Grammar and be competitive in the global market. But still, dilemmas of
being ready joining a workforce is still an issue.
Aside from the changes on the time and schedules of the students due to the additional 2 years
and the mentors for them to acquired further knowledge on the modification on the education system,
the big question lies on the competency and opportunities that awaits the graduates of the senior high
school.
Cascaro and Davao (2011) As the Department of Education (DepEd) considers this scheme will be
primary way of eliminating poverty and unemployment in the country, some youth and various groups
disapproved to its execution.
Moreover, as the DepEd believes that this new educational system will provide the kids
maturity and skills, the opposition to the law stated that this is just a fantasy. For them, the problem on
unemployment is due to the absence of autonomous and viable expansion program that will provide
works and occupations to the people and not on that promise, that K-12 as the solution. In addition,
they said that this program aims to further lower workers’ earnings and leads more Filipinos to
exploitation. (Crisostomo, 2012).
Doubts on the success of the program implementation increases as Education Secretary
Leonor Briones, during an interview when ask where the K-12 graduates go, replied that the DepEd is
just starting a research (Roxas, 2019).
Andales et al. (2018) The absence of the needed positions for undergraduates and K-12
graduates, accompanied by their insufficient work understanding are the main reasons why most
companies were undecided to accept senior high school graduates. Only 24 percent of establishment
and companies were prepared to employ K-12 graduates, mentioning that college graduates are still
on top of their list.
In the poll conducted on February 2018 by the Jobstreet.com with the 503 company
representatives that has a result of only 24 percent of employers were willing to hire K-12 graduates,
35 were unwilling, while 41 percent were undecided, this does not prove that college graduates are
better workers compared to K-12 graduates but those who earned degrees have more chances in
landing a job. Employers see that applicants who spent 4 more years in school have more knowledge,
more experience (Gioca, 2018)
 Most local companies are still hesitant to hire K-12 graduates, according to the top executive
of the Philippine Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD). Speaking during closing plenary of the 2019
Annual Public Policy Conference led by the Philippine Institute of Development Studies, ICD
president Alfredo Pascual said businesses want to see first a proof of concept from schools to support
claims that their graduates are employable.
Even for those who passed the National Certifications assessments, most senior high school
students believe companies would still prefer to hire college graduates. It turns out their fears were not
unfounded as companies   feel senior high school graduates are not prepared for professional work.

To gauge the  apprehension of employers, PIDS conducted key informant interviews (KIIs)
with human resource managers in 26 firms in the National Capital Region (NCR), Calabarzon, and
Cebu. These firms are engaged in manufacturing, agribusiness, and local government units.  The
interviews showed that these companies are also uncertain if their skills   are adequate and appropriate
to the current needs of the industry.

Thus, this study is done to look more on the underlying problems regarding the law, its pros,
and cons to establish a workable suggestions and recommendations.
References:

Davao, E., & Cascaro, L.A. (2011, April 4). Focus on Education - K+12 basic education program: A dilemma.
Edge Davao. https://edgedavao.net/special-feature/2011/04/04/focus-on-education-k12-basic-education-
program-a-dilemma/

Crisostomo, V. (2012, November 13). K-12 Myth: The Promise of Employment. Philippine Basic Education.
https://www.philippinesbasiceducation.us/2012/11/k-12-myth-promise-of-employment.html

Roxas, A. P. V. (2019, September 4). Where do K-12 graduates go? Briones unsure, says research still
pending. INQUIRER.Net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1160384/where-do-k-12-graduates-go-briones-unsure-
says-research-still-pending

Andales, M., Elarcosa, Z., Sinco D., & Ramirez K. (2018). EMPLOYABILITY OF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL.
Academia. https://www.academia.edu/37095583/EMPLOYABILITY_OF_SENIOR_HIGH_SCHOOL

Companies still hesitant to hire K-12 graduates. (2019, September 30). Philstar Global.
https://www.philstar.com/business/business-as-usual/2019/09/30/1955967/companies-still-hesitant-
hire-k-12-graduates

Some employers see “risk” in hiring K-12 grads: Jobstreet. (2018, July 12). ABS-CBN News.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/07/12/18/some-employers-see-risk-in-hiring-k-12-grads-
jobstreet
 Education Secretary Leonor Briones. (File photo by GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE / Philippine Daily
Inquirer)

Roxas, A. P. V. (2019, September 4). Where do K-12 graduates go? Briones unsure, says research still
pending. INQUIRER.Net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1160384/where-do-k-12-graduates-go-
briones-unsure-says-research-still-pending

The League of Filipino Students (LFS) expressed fears amidst worsening unemployment in
the country.
League of Filipino Students

Students, L. O. F. (2018, March 2). LFS: Senior high graduates bound for unemployment - League of
Filipino Students. Medium. https://medium.com/@LFSPhilippines/lfs-senior-high-graduates-bound-
for-unemployment-c8ad904466ec
 Line up at an employment fair in Manila. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File

ABS-CBN News. (2018, July 12). Some employers see 'risk' in hiring K-12 grads: Jobstreet.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/07/12/18/some-employers-see-risk-in-hiring-k-12-grads-jobstreet

K-to-12 won't solve high unemployment among 'educated workers.'

IBON NEWS. (2013, May 20). K-to-12 won’t solve high unemployment among “educated
workers.” Philippine Basic Education. https://www.philippinesbasiceducation.us/2013/05/k-to-12-
wont-solve-high-unemployment.html?m=1
 DOLE’s JobsFit 2022 Labor Market Information (LMI) Report showed that almost a million or 43.9
percent of the unemployed population nationwide in 2017 have either reached or graduated from high
school. (File Photo by Michael Vargas/ The Philippine Star)

Jaymalin, M. (2019, January 1). DOLE: Most of the unemployed are educated. Philstar.Com.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/01/02/1881616/dole-most-unemployed-are-educated

Companies still hesitant to hire K-12 graduates

Companies still hesitant to hire K-12 graduates. (2019, September 30). Philstar Global.
https://www.philstar.com/business/business-as-usual/2019/09/30/1955967/companies-still-hesitant-
hire-k-12-graduates