Group opposes strengthened SHS curriculum, warn of job losses, reduced humanities

A coalition of senior high school and college teachers, students, parents, and concerned citizens has expressed opposition to the government’s strengthened Senior High School (SHS) curriculum, warning that it weakens Social Sciences and Humanities instruction and could place thousands of educators at risk of displacement.

In a statement, KILOS SHS Network said the revised SHS curriculum to be implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd) shortens college programs in the name of employability and technical training.

“These policies continue to reorient Philippine education toward narrow labor-market training, while diminishing its role in cultivating critical thinking, historical consciousness, and social responsibility,” the statement read.

The group argued that General Education subjects, particularly in the humanities and social sciences, are essential in developing critical consciousness, especially amid global challenges such as climate emergencies, rising discrimination and anti-migrant sentiment, and geopolitical tensions.

It added that the reforms “do not solve” long-standing structural issues in the education system.

The coalition also raised concerns over possible employment impacts, citing estimates that around 35,000 SHS teachers and 30,000 college faculty members could be affected.

It also warned that similar issues had been observed during the initial implementation of the K to 12 program, which it said previously resulted in teacher displacement and reassignment outside their areas of specialization.

Instead of reducing these subjects, the coalition urged the government to address what it described as persistent problems in the education sector, including chronic underfunding, teacher shortages, low salaries, inadequate school facilities, and limited learning resources.

It also called for expanded access to publicly funded higher education.

The group demanded the government to conduct broad consultations with teachers, unions, students, and parents to ensure no job losses result from curricular changes; strengthen instruction in language, culture, and history at all levels; and undertake a comprehensive review of the K to 12 program.

“Defend teachers’ jobs. No to layoffs. Fight for language, culture, and history,” the statement added.