On February 20, 2026, the senior high school students gathered at the Bishop Cantillas Gym to attend the cascade of the “Strengthened Senior High School Curriculum” introduced by the Department of Education.

Sir Anaclito M. Sabandal Jr. began by helping the students recall what the old curriculum was like. Before, SHS had four tracks—academics, TVL, sports, and arts and design—and students had to take many required subjects. While it offered many options, sometimes it felt heavy and overwhelming due to the number of subjects they needed to manage. Most of them were not directly connected to the course or career path they wanted to pursue.

He then introduced the “Strengthened SHS Curriculum” and explained how it aims to improve the overall learning experience of students. Even with the changes, the senior high school curriculum will remain a two-year specialized program—Grade 11 and Grade 12. However, the structure has now been simplified into two main tracks: the Academic Track and the Technical Professional Track. This adjustment makes the system clearer and more focused.

One of the biggest improvements is the reduction of required subjects. Instead of having too many classes, students will now focus on core subjects and selected electives. These electives can be chosen based on the course or career students plan to take in the future. The goal of the strengthened curriculum is not to add more subjects but to develop deeper understanding, stronger competencies, and better career alignment.

The new curriculum also highlights the importance of mastering essential skills rather than just completing requirements. It promotes practical learning, better preparation for college or employment, and a more balanced academic load. Through this, students can concentrate on subjects that truly matter to their chosen path.

Overall, the “Strengthened SHS Curriculum” is a positive change. It is a relief for upcoming senior high school students because they will experience a more focused and aligned program. Instead of feeling overloaded, students can now choose electives that fit their goals and avoid subjects that are not related to their future plans. This new direction shows that education is becoming more student-centered, practical, and purposeful.