SENIOR high school graduates can now qualify for entry-level government positions, following a new policy issued by the Civil Service Commission (CSC).
This move significantly expands job opportunities in the public sector for K-to-12 graduates.
In a press conference at MalacaƱang on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro announced that Civil Service Commission (CSC) Resolution 2500229, issued on March 6, 2025, updates the qualification standards for first-level or sub-professional government positions.
The new policy now includes Grade 12 graduates, Grade 10 completers from 2016 onward, and technical-vocational (tech-voc) track graduates with a Tesda National Certificate (NC) II.
"Ngayon, kinikilala na ang mga sumusunod na Grade 10 completers simula 2016, Grade 12 graduates simula 2016, at mga nagtapos ng tech-voc track na may Tesda NC II Certification," Castro said.
(At present, the following are now recognized: Grade 10 completers since 2016, Grade 12 graduates since 2016, and tech-voc track graduates with Tesda NC II Certification.)
"This recognizes the competencies of senior high school and tech-voc graduates under the K-to-12 program," Castro said.
The revised guidelines apply to positions such as clerical and custodial roles but exclude jobs requiring higher education degrees or licenses regulated by board laws.
Applicants must still meet other requirements, including relevant training, experience, and civil service eligibility.
The reform supports the goals of the K-to-12 Basic Education Program, launched in 2012, to produce job-ready, lifelong learners.
The CSC said appointments remain at the discretion of the hiring authority under existing civil service rules. (JGS/SunStar Philippines)