Manila: The Department of Education (DepEd) announced that the consultation process for the updated curriculum guides for Grades 11 and 12 is now accessible to the general public and private stakeholders. This move aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directives to enhance the quality of education and improve the employability of Senior High School (SHS) graduates.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DepEd emphasized that the feedback gathered from the public consultation will be reviewed and incorporated into the final framework of the Senior High School curriculum. The consultations are open to a broad audience, including teachers, students, parents, and industry representatives.

The updated curriculum guides have streamlined core subjects, reducing them from 15 to five. The new core subjects include Effective Communication, Life Skills, General Mathematics, General Science, and Pag-aaral ng Kasaysayan at Lipunang Pilipino. Additionally, time allocations have been adjusted to ensure mastery of essential competencies.

The DepEd highlighted that the revised core subjects aim to enhance learners’ foundational skills in communication, scientific and mathematical thinking, and personal development. This preparation is intended to equip students for lifelong learning and active civic participation.

Furthermore, the updated curriculum allows Senior High School students to select elective subjects from organized clusters rather than being restricted to fixed subjects within their strands. The public can access the curriculum guides online and provide feedback through the DepEd’s dedicated consultation platform. Feedback will be accepted until April 11.

Previously, the DepEd engaged with over 2,000 participants across 14 regions in the Philippines to discuss proposed features of the updated curriculum. These stakeholder engagements took place from January to February.