Manila, Philippines – July 5, 2025 — In a move aimed at streamlining higher education and aligning it with global practices, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, Chair of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, has filed a bill seeking to shorten the standard college education in the Philippines from four years to three.
Under the proposed measure, students entering college would immediately begin studying their major subjects, while general education courses such as language, mathematics, and humanities would be integrated into the Senior High School (SHS) curriculum.
Global Alignment and Efficiency
Senator Gatchalian explained that the system he is advocating for is already being implemented in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, where students typically finish college within three years by focusing directly on their area of specialization.
“The goal is to eliminate redundancy in learning and allow students to concentrate earlier on their chosen fields,” Gatchalian said. He emphasized that the current system often leads to repetition of general subjects already taken in high school, causing unnecessary delays in workforce entry and increasing educational costs for families.
Focus on Soft Skills in SHS
Aside from curriculum restructuring, the bill also aims to strengthen the development of soft skills among students in SHS. These include critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, socio-emotional intelligence, creativity, and collaboration — competencies considered essential in today’s dynamic work environment.
Gatchalian believes that by prioritizing these skills in high school, students will be more prepared not only for their college majors but also for real-world challenges beyond the classroom.
Education Reform on the Horizon
The proposed bill is part of a broader push for education reform in the Philippines, with lawmakers, educators, and stakeholders calling for a more responsive and efficient system that meets both academic and economic needs.
As the 20th Congress convenes later this month, Gatchalian hopes for bipartisan support in passing the measure, which he believes will enhance educational outcomes and better equip Filipino youth for the future.
