The Department of Education estimates around 3.7 million students will graduate from Grade 6 and Grade 12 this school year, one of the largest cohorts in recent years, highlighting challenges in education quality and workforce readiness.
According to data released by the Philippine Department of Education (DepEd), approximately 3.7 million learners are expected to complete basic education in the 2025–2026 school year. This includes about 1.9 million Grade 6 pupils and 1.8 million Grade 12 students from both public and private schools, with around 1.8 million Grade 6 and 1.1 million Grade 12 students coming from public schools. This large graduating batch represents one of the highest in recent years within the K to 12 system.
However, education experts and government findings caution that high completion rates do not necessarily equate to adequate learning outcomes. The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) reports a continuing learning crisis, noting that only around 15% of early-grade learners read at grade level, with approximately 85% considered struggling readers—a trend observed even in urban centers such as Metro Manila, where some cities show over 40% early-grade reading difficulties.
This batch of graduates was significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic’s prolonged school closures, leading to learning losses, inequitable access to resources, and compressed teaching time. Structural issues like overcrowded classrooms and high student mobility remain challenges to effective education delivery.
With nearly 1.8 million senior high school graduates, there is increasing pressure on higher education institutions, vocational training providers, and the labor market to accommodate these learners. Advocates emphasize stronger alignment between educational outcomes and workforce demands to ensure improved employment prospects.
Moreover, DepEd’s proposed shift to a three-term school calendar starting in SY 2026–2027 has faced opposition from groups like the Alliance of Concerned Teachers, who argue the reform is rushed and does not address fundamental sector issues. The Economy and Development Council, chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has approved the proposal as part of ongoing education reforms addressing a three-decade decline in quality identified by EDCOM II.
This significant milestone in the Philippine education system calls for focused efforts to enhance learning quality and ensure graduates are adequately prepared for further education or employment, especially for overseas work opportunities and alignment with development goals.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/980778/deped-3-7m-learners-expected-to-complete-basic-education-in-sy-2025-2026/story/
