UPV education alumni oppose GE curriculum cuts

The University of the Philippines Visayas Master of Education Alumni Association has opposed a proposal to reduce the General Education curriculum to 18 units, warning that the change could weaken the intellectual, civic, and human formation of Filipino college students.

The group issued its position paper after the May 5 hearing conducted by the Commission on Higher Education on the proposed Reframed General Education Curriculum.

The position paper was also formally submitted to CHED through its official feedback email at feedback@ched.gov.ph.

UPVMEAA said it supports educational reforms and curriculum improvements but called for a more careful and balanced approach.

The organization said streamlining should not come at the expense of meaningful education.

UPVMEAA President Dr. Herman M. Lagon said cutting GE too sharply could produce graduates who are technically capable but socially and ethically underprepared.

“General Education is not excess. It is foundational,” Lagon said.

“These courses help students think critically, understand history and society, communicate meaningfully, and reflect on their responsibilities as citizens and human beings. If we compress these too much, we risk weakening the very core of higher education.”

The group said the proposed 18-unit GE curriculum continues a decades-long downward trend in the required GE load.

UPVMEAA cited the 63-unit GE framework under CMO 59, series of 1996, and the 36-unit structure introduced through CMO 20, series of 2013.

The organization said modernization and outcomes-based education are valid goals, but reforms must preserve depth, context, and human formation.

Among the concerns raised were the possible dilution of disciplines such as literature, philosophy, and history.

The group also warned of possible threats to academic freedom and institutional autonomy.

UPVMEAA said the proposed reframing could also lead to the displacement of faculty members whose disciplines may be reduced or merged under the new curriculum.

The organization emphasized the continuing importance of Philippine History and Rizal courses in shaping historical consciousness and national identity.

It said these courses remain vital at a time when misinformation and polarization are widespread in society.

Lagon said the group’s position is grounded in the lived realities of educators working in both basic and higher education.

“Our members see firsthand the gaps in student preparation, the pressures faced by teachers and institutions, and the long-term effects of policy changes in classrooms and communities,” he said.

“Reforms must be thoughtful, evidence-based, and grounded not only in employability, but also in nation-building, ethics, and humane formation.”

In its recommendations, UPVMEAA urged CHED to retain a stronger GE core.

The group also called for improved curriculum coherence without sacrificing depth.

It urged broader consultations before changes are adopted.

UPVMEAA also called for the protection of academic freedom and faculty security.

The organization recommended that reforms be piloted carefully before full implementation.

UPVMEAA clarified that it is not opposing reform itself.

The group said it is calling for reforms that remain aligned with the deeper purpose of education.

“Education is not only about preparing students for work,” the position paper stated.

“It is about forming thinking, responsible, and humane citizens.”

General Education courses in Philippine higher education are intended to provide students across degree programs with broad exposure to the humanities, social sciences, communication, mathematics, science, and other fields beyond their specialization.