BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

The Department of Education (DepEd) welcomed the Civil Service Commission’s (CSC) issuance of Resolution No. 2500229, which formally recognizes Junior and Senior High School (SHS) graduates as eligible for first-level government positions—a significant reform aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to expand opportunities for the Filipino youth.

Initiated by DepEd and refined in close coordination with the CSC, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the policy revision updates the educational requirements for government posts involving clerical, trades, crafts, and custodial services. The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) also played a key role by facilitating inter-agency efforts to finalize the reform.

“This is a huge step forward for our K–12 graduates, especially those from the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) track,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said. “For years, our SHS students have been trained to be work-ready, but policy gaps kept them from entering the public sector. This reform finally bridges that divide.”

Under the revised qualification standards, JHS and SHS graduates may now qualify for first-level entry positions in the government, roles that include clerical, trades, crafts, and custodial services involving structured and sub-professional work. 

“We thank the CSC for this landmark decision,” Angara added. “It not only opens new doors for our learners but also boosts the government’s talent pool with fresh, young professionals trained under our K–12 system.”

The resolution affirms the readiness of JHS and SHS graduates for public sector service, provided they meet other applicable qualification standards such as experience, training, and eligibility requirements, and are selected based on merit and fitness in accordance with the hiring guidelines of respective government agencies. The amended qualification standards will take effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation or the Official Gazette.

Angara said that the milestone is a powerful signal to learners and parents that the K–12 curriculum delivers real opportunities, and that a high school diploma can now serve as a launchpad for government careers. 

*All Photos from Deped