13 Iloilo Schools to Pilot New SHS Curriculum

By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan

The Department of Education Schools Division of Iloilo confirmed on Monday, June 2, that 13 schools will pilot the new senior high school curriculum for School Year 2025-2026.

Division spokesperson Leonil Salvilla told Bombo Radyo Iloilo that the following schools will implement the “strengthened” SHS curriculum starting June 16:

• Guimbal National High School
• Iloilo National High School (Iloilo City)
• Oton National High School
• San Rafael National High School
• Botong Cabanbanan National High School (Oton)
• Leganes National High School
• Anilao National High School
• Santa Rita National High School (Oton)
• Deogracias Arlos National High School (Concepcion)
• Polopiña National High School (Concepcion)
• Sara National High School
• De La Paz National High School (Banate)
• Bololacao National High School (New Lucena)

Salvilla said the schools were selected based on their applications, with assessments from school heads and personnel evaluating their readiness to implement the new curriculum.

“These schools have undergone validation and were checked by both division and regional offices to ensure they are prepared to implement the strengthened SHS program,” he said.

He added that the division continues to provide technical assistance to other schools not included in the pilot program.

“Hopefully, within this school year or by next school year, we can finish providing assistance to all 170-plus schools in Iloilo province,” he said.

The revised SHS curriculum includes a reduction in core subject offerings—from 15 per semester to 5 for the entire Grade 11 school year—and adjustments in time allotments.

New subjects include Effective Communication, Life Skills, General Mathematics, General Science, and Pag-aaral ng Kasaysayan at Lipunang Pilipino.

The enhanced K-10 program, now in its second phase, will also continue for Grades 2, 5, and 8.

Salvilla said DepEd will conduct a “training for trainers” this week to help implement the curriculum changes.

He added that the division will launch its annual Brigada Eskwela from June 9 to 13 and Oplan Balik Eskwela from June 9 to 20, alongside the enrollment period.