The Department of Education (DepEd) has issued new guidelines prohibiting companies from using Senior High School students in work immersion as free labor or assigning tasks unrelated to their training.
Under DepEd Order No. 023, s. 2026, schools must ensure workplace activities are aligned with students’ learning goals, limited to eight hours daily and five days weekly, and monitored for their safety and well-being.
DepEd Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara said the program aims to better prepare Grade 12 students for employment after graduation.
The guidelines also require schools to screen partner institutions, prepare training plans, and orient students and parents on workplace rights and safety.
The policy will take effect in pilot schools in School Year 2026–2027 and in other senior high schools beginning School Year 2027.
Source: PhilNews24 | November 14, 2026
