The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has approved a landmark policy pushed by the Department of Education (DepEd), allowing Junior High School (JHS) and Senior High School (SHS) graduates to qualify for first-level positions in the government, an initiative in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to expand job opportunities for the Filipino youth.
CSC Resolution No. 2500229, crafted in collaboration with DepEd, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), updates the qualification standards for entry-level roles in clerical, trades, crafts, and custodial services. The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) also played a key role in coordinating the inter-agency effort.
“This is a major step forward for our K–12 graduates, especially those from the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) track,” said Education Secretary Sonny Angara. “Our SHS students have long been equipped with job-ready skills, but outdated policies barred them from entering government service. This reform finally corrects that.”
With the new standards, JHS and SHS graduates can now apply for sub-professional and structured government roles, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria such as relevant training, experience, and merit-based selection.
“We thank the CSC for this milestone decision,” Angara added. “It gives our youth a real shot at meaningful public service, and strengthens the government workforce with young, K–12-trained talent.”
The revised qualification standards will take effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation or in the Official Gazette.
Angara emphasized that the change sends a strong message to learners and families: the K–12 curriculum opens real career pathways and now, a high school diploma can be a direct entry point to a career in government.
