Despite the rollout of free certification for senior high school learners in the technical-vocational-livelihood (TVL) track, only 35% of target students were endorsed for assessment, Senator Win Gatchalian flagged.

This represents only 197,077 out of 556,657 Grade 12 enrollees for School Year (SY) 2024–2025. Out of the P438.16 million allotted for the assessment and certification of senior high school learners for fiscal year 2024, only 57% was utilized.

According to Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director-General Jose Francisco ‘Kiko’ Benitez, senior high school learners under the TVL track opted to pursue higher education instead of getting assessed and certified. The TESDA chief also cited the misalignment between learners’ training in senior high school and the training regulations of the TESDA.

Photo by Mark Cayabyab / OS WIN GATCHALIAN