Specialization-focused college education that can be completed in three years. This proposed tertiary education reform tops Senator Win Gatchalian’s priority measures on education for the 20th Congress.

“Noong nagdagdag tayo ng dalawang taon sa high school, ipinangako natin sa ating mga kababayan na iikli ang panahong kailangang ilaan sa kolehiyo. Panahon na upang tuparin natin ang pangakong ito,” said Gatchalian.

The Three-Year College Education (3CE) Act seeks to capacitate the Commission on Higher Education in allowing flexibility for degree programs to be completed in not more than three academic years. The duration of programs, however, should still be based on assessed industry needs, international standards, or benchmarks, and recognized best practices.

The proposed measure provides that all General Education (GE) courses shall be integrated and completed at the senior high school level. It also seeks to ensure students’ college readiness and provide more time for internship and advanced specialization.

The lawmaker cited findings by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), which revealed that college programs in the Philippines are GE-heavy and internship-light.