It will see the general education curriculum reduced by half.
During its online public hearing on the proposed Reframed General Education (GE) Curriculum last May 5, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) bared its proposal to trim the number of GE units from the current 36 to between 18 to 21 only.
To be axed as standalone required subjects, under the proposed measures, are philosophy, ethics, literature, art appreciation and Philippine history.
These would instead be integrated into broader skills-based subjects, which will remain form the remaining required GE units.
In a statement, CHED said that it “recognizes and values the strong engagement of stakeholders who participated in the online hearing,” which drew more than 4,700 viewers via Facebook Live and 1,400 participants via Zoom.
“For context, the proposed reframing forms part of the deliverables of the TPGE (Technical Panel for General Education). which was re-constituted last September 2024 in response to urgent concerns relative to the alignment between the Senior High School and General Education curricula,” the commission explained.
CHED continued, “Following a comprehensive review and initial consultations, the TPGE subsequently presented its recommendations in consecutive Commission en Banc meetings.”
Eventuall, this led to the decision to “conduct broader public consultations” to ensure that the policy-making process remains transparent and grounded in a holistic understanding of the sector’s needs, it furthered.
After receiving backlash and reactions from members of the academe, including educators and students, CHED said that nothing is set in stone just yet.
“The Commission emphasized that the proposed reframed GE curriculum is not yet final and remains subject to the ongoing consultation process with higher education institutions, faculty, students, professional organizations, and other education stakeholders.”
The agency also told that all stakeholder inputs will be “carefully examined” during the ongoing review to ensure the proposed curriculum is “coherent, responsive, and aligned with national priorities and global standards.”
Moreover, “The Commission stressed that the process remains deliberate and evidence-based, with stakeholder feedback forming an important part of its deliberations.”
As regards to all position papers and formally submitted comments, these will be reviewed by the Technical Panel for General Education (TPGE).
“CHED will continue to engage stakeholders through additional consultation mechanisms,” it furthered. “This will ensure that the final policy, if issued, reflects careful study, meaningful participation, and the best interests of Filipino learners and higher education.”