The Department of Education (DepEd) said on Wednesday that its private sector partners have pledged 47,439 work immersion slots for senior high school (SHS) students to boost graduates’ employability across sectors.
“We are following the directive of President Bongbong Marcos to ensure our graduates enter the workforce with real competence and practical experience,” Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara said in a news release.
Data from the local statistics agency showed the country’s estimated unemployment rate at 6.0% in July 2026, up from 5.3% a year earlier, as more young Filipinos entered the workforce and were not absorbed by the labor market.
The labor force participation rate (LFPR) rose to 63.6 percent, from 60.7 percent in July 2025 and 62.7 percent in April 2026.
To align basic education curriculum with changing global workplace demands, DepEd has rolled out the 2026 National Work Immersion Fair to ensure clear, work-ready exit pathways for young Filipinos.
Under the initiative, 1,565 distinct job roles in accommodation and food services, education, agriculture, forestry and fisheries, and administrative support services will be offered as work immersion opportunities for SHS students.
DepEd ensured that partner companies who pledged these positions were vetted through industry mapping and inspections, valid business permits and registrations, and adherence to the agency’s Child Protection Policy.
The SHS tracks were previously reduced from four tracks to two: Academic and TechPro, under the Strengthened Senior High School curriculum.
Under the revamped framework, TechPro track learners must complete 320 hours in one term, or 540 to 640 total hours over two terms, to ensure depth of training rather than brief workplace exposure.
Meanwhile, Academic track students can choose between a 320-hour immersion, an 80 to 160-hour arts apprenticeship, or an 80-hour field exposure.
The agency noted that the updated policy framework enforces a strict limit of 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week across flexible five-day schedules to protect learners’ well-being.
Teachers will also conduct weekly catch-up sessions with students to check their physical and emotional health, ensure compliance with the training plan, and address workplace challenges.
DepEd has operationalized a National Work Immersion Pledging Dashboard to track ongoing industry participation and commitment from its private sector partners.
The agency has reportedly reached 94.9% of its target of 50,000 pledged work immersion opportunities for SHS students.
“By working closely with our private sector partners to foster innovation and global competitiveness, we are ensuring that every immersion experience is safe, aligned with industry standards, and directly leads to higher employability for our youth,” Mr. Angara said. — Almira Louise S. Martinez
