Acquiring necessary competencies

Teresita V. Negrete

Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of blended learning, the Department of Education wants to make sure that learners in Senior High School will have the best opportunity available when the time comes that they want or need to be employed. Last school year, DepEd conducted nationwide upskilling activities on work and professional development among SHS students, to better equip learners with workready skills. In partnership with Microsoft Philippines, the Department conducted trainings on Microsoft Learn, Microsoft Imagine Academy, and LinkedIn Learning, which will enable learners to connect with industry practitioners from different fields. DepEd also trained graduating learners to build impactful resumes and online professional profiles. Through these activities, learners were able to acquire necessary competencies and digital certifications by completing learning paths in digital productivity, computer sciences, cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), and data science aligned to indemand jobs globally. In addition, the agency partnered with the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) to involve more industries in providing learners with work experience and possible employment opportunities. The Department collaborated with ECOP to expand and develop the SHS Internship and Immersion Program for Grade 11 learners to boost their employment experience before graduating. With these initiatives, students were upskilled, and what they have learned through their basic education is reinforced with more skills training while the industry sector is made aware of the capacities and potential of SHS graduates, DepEd officials said. DepEd also said it will revisit and expand the SHS Internship and Immersion program and align the curriculum guide with the current situation and regional direction. A paradigm shift and an open and optimistic mind can change the future of our Filipino youth and move towards the success of the Philippine K to 12 basic education program, Education officials emphasized.