In an effort to empower senior high school students with the necessary knowledge and opportunities for their future careers, the 2023 Senior High School (SHS) Summit was held at the National Educators Academy of the Philippines Region I, City of San Fernando, La Union. The event brought together educators, government officials, and industry leaders to discuss the results of the SHS program implementation and explore various pathways available to students after completing their secondary education.
The summit kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the SHS Job Fair at 8:00 AM, signaling the beginning of a day filled with insightful discussions and networking opportunities. Following the job fair, the opening program commenced at 8:30 AM, starting with the singing of the National Anthem and a series of audiovisual presentations (AVPs) that highlighted the achievements and aspirations of the SHS program.
Rhoda T. Razon, Director III of the Department of Education (DepEd), delivered the opening message, emphasizing the importance of quality education and its impact on the future workforce. Arlene A. Niro, Chief Education Supervisor, then presented the statement of purpose, emphasizing the summit’s goal of equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their chosen career paths.
The plenary talks, starting at 9:30 AM, delved into critical topics related to the SHS program. Johnson P. Sunga, Education Program Supervisor, presented the results of the SHS Program Implementation Review, shedding light on the program’s achievements and identifying areas for improvement. Lea L. Olua, education program supervisor and representative of the Policy, Planning, and Research and Division (PPRD), followed with a presentation on the SHS Tracer Study, which examined the career outcomes and experiences of SHS graduates.
An open forum allowed participants to engage with the speakers, seeking clarifications and sharing their insights. The exchange of ideas fostered a dynamic learning environment, providing a platform for educators and stakeholders to collaborate on shaping the future of senior high school education.
As an integral part of the 2023 Senior High School Summit, an exciting exhibition showcasing innovative projects by SHS students from La Union and San Fernando took place throughout the day.
The exhibit provided a platform for students to showcase their creative endeavors, highlighting their skills and talents in various fields of study.
In the afternoon session, prominent representatives from line government agencies provided updates on their respective sectors. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), discussed the latest initiatives and opportunities available for SHS graduates in the job market. On the other hand, the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA), highlighted the vocational training programs and certifications accessible to students seeking alternative pathways. Hedy Jose B. Lardizabal, Director IV of the Civil Service Commission, shared insights on the civil service sector and the benefits of pursuing a career in public service. Danilo B. Bose, OIC of the Office of the Director IV of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), provided an overview of higher education opportunities and encouraged students to pursue further studies.
The updates from the line government agencies were followed by another open forum, allowing attendees to seek clarifications, share concerns, and explore collaboration opportunities with government representatives.
The 2023 Senior High School Summit concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to equipping students with the necessary tools to thrive in the ever-evolving job market. By facilitating dialogue among stakeholders and providing students with a comprehensive understanding of their post-secondary education options, the summit served as a valuable platform for shaping the future of senior high school education in Region I.
By: Johnson P. Sunga, CLMD