The House of Representatives has taken a major step in reshaping the Philippine education system by approving on second reading House Bill 11213, also known as the Education Pathways Act. If passed into law, this bill will allow students to graduate after Grade 10 and choose between two distinct paths: a University Preparatory Program for those aiming for college or a Technical-Vocational (Tech-Voc) Program for those who want to enter the workforce sooner.
What This Means for Students
Under the proposed system:
✅ Students can graduate after Grade 10 and decide whether to continue their studies or enter tech-voc training.
✅ Grades 11 and 12 will no longer have different strands; instead, all subjects will align with first-year college courses.
✅ A new Advanced Placement Exam will allow top-performing Grade 10 students to skip Grades 11 and 12 and go straight to college.
“This gives students more control over their future,” said Pasig City Representative Roman Romulo, who chairs the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture.
Why Change the K-12 System?
The K-12 program was introduced to make Filipino graduates more job-ready, but many critics argue that it has failed to deliver. Senior high school graduates still struggle to find employment, as companies prefer college graduates over K-12 completers.
“The reality of the job market has not aligned with expectations,” said Romulo. “Many senior high graduates still struggle to find work.”
Some parents have also raised concerns about the financial burden of two extra years in high school. The proposed changes aim to give families more flexibility while ensuring students are better prepared for their chosen careers.
What’s Next?
The bill still needs to pass a third reading in the House before moving to the Senate. If enacted into law, it could reshape how Filipino students prepare for college and careers, making education more practical and accessible.
Do you think this new system will work better than K-12? Let us know your thoughts!
