The Significance of Work Immersion in the Senior High School Curriculum

During the hearing of the crafting and Enhancement Basic Education Act of 2013, many Filipinos
expressed opposition from both parents and educators/academes as well. Those who were against the
proposed Act cited different reasons, from additional years of school years and additional expenses
from the parents and readiness of the Department of Education as what are being pointed out by the
educators/academe. With due recognition given to the valid reasons of the oppositions, the lawmakers
see the urgency of amending the age-old education system of the Philippines for the students to cope
up with the challenges of 21st century. Thus, the proposed Act was approved and enacted into law May
of 2013.

The Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 stipulates that two (2) more years in high school shall
be added, hence the creation of senior high school. The Act is geared towards enhancing further the
skills and knowledge of students for them to be well equipped in facing the challenges that lay ahead,
whether in pursuing higher studies in college or in entering the very competitive employment field.

To ensure further that the objective would be met, DepEd included two (2) TRACKS in the
curriculum; one the Academic Track which includes various Strands for those students who wants to
pursue higher education in college and second, the Technical Vocational Livelihood Track for students
that would opted to work or find job after senior high school. The very purpose of these Tracks is to
further hone their interests and develop and enhance skills and knowledge of senior high school in their
chosen field of interest for them to be ready, competent and equipped to confront the realities and
challenges that lay ahead.

Furthermore, a Work Immersion Program was also conceptualized. Basically, it aims to expose the
students to the harsh realities of environment in a workplace. This exposure also aims to develop and
enhance the work ethics and habits of senior high school students. It would also serve as an assessment
tool on the affectivity of the module designed for the purpose.

All Work Immersion Program exposures shall observe strict compliance of all Philippine Laws and
other Guidelines and Orders issued by proper government agencies to ensure that the exposure
program would protect the interest and welfare of the students engaged in Immersion Work Program.

 Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Advisory No.9- , students are allowed to immerse
themselves in a workplace between 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. every day for a minimum of 80
hours or a maximum of 240 hours per term. Students below 15 years old need to have parent’s
consent and shall be at the workplace for at most four hours a day.

 Department of Education, DepEd Order No. 30 series of 2017 - Guidelines for Work Immersion
apply not only to both public and private senior high schools, but also to technical-vocational
institutions offering the different academic strands.

 Republic Act 9231 “Special Protection of Children against Child Abuse, Exploitation and
Discrimination Act”

 Department of Labor and Employment DepEd Order No 149 - provides guidelines for assessing
hazardous work areas for working students under 18 years old.