Two important Joint Memorandum Circulars (JMCs) were signed on May 10, to strengthen initiatives in the senior high school (SHS) education system and strengthen the skills and employability of SHS graduates.

The JMC, titled “Strengthening Senior High School Curriculum and Delivery by Embedding TVET in Senior High School Tracks towards Workforce Readiness and Employability,” was signed by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) , Department of Education (DepEd), and Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

All SHS tracks will include technical and vocational education and training (TVET) to align the knowledge of SHS graduates with industries related to their skills and increase their readiness for work.

Another JMC signed by DepEd and TESDA, titled “Ensuring Quality-Assured Assessment for Certification of Senior High School Technical-Vocational Livelihood (TVL) Track,” will ensure that graduates of the SHS TVL track will be subject to mandatory skills assessment to better prepare them for work.

In his speech, DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma said that improving the employability of SHS graduates is a strategy under the Philippine Labor and Employment Plan (PLEP) 2023-2028 and the goal of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) which address the “jobs and skills mismatch” and strengthening the earning capacity of Filipinos.

“These circulars are the proof document of our mission to strengthen productivity, fair and proper wages, free choice, stable jobs and employment opportunities,” he said, while noting that JMC’s goals are in line with the mission. of DOLE for all Filipino workers,” to achieve abundant, meaningful, and dignified work.”

Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture, witnessed the signing.

With Secretary Laguesma are Employment and Human Resource Development Cluster Undersecretary Carmela I. Torres and Assistant Secretary Paul Vincent W. Añover, and Bureau of Local Employment Director Patrick P. Patriwirawan, Jr.