CSC: 83K entry-level positions open for SHS graduates

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) said Monday that approximately 83,000 first-level positions are currently unfilled and open for senior high school graduates who pass at least the sub-professional civil service exam.

During the Senate Committee on Finance’s deliberations on the proposed P4.19-billion budget of the CSC for fiscal year 2026, CSC chairperson Marilyn Yap said that the commission already amended the education requirements for first level positions in the government, with the aim to let graduates of the K to 12 Basic Education Program be qualified for government service.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate finance committee, then raised concern about the possibility that the senior high school graduates will pass the exam.

“Sa senior high school, ‘yung kanilang curriculum, papasa ‘yan. Papasa ‘yan, sir. Mas fresh pa ‘yung kanilang utak sa general education principles,” Yap answered.

(I think the senior high school graduates will pass, based on their curriculum. Their knowledge of general education principles is still fresh.)

“Although there is also the cultural thing, sir. Ang karamihan ng ahensya natin, ang preference pa rin [college] graduates (many of our agencies still prefer college graduates). ‘Yun ang masakit (that's what hurts). Unless we do some affirmative action and ask and tell them, could you please hire at least these people for these [positions]?”

The CSC describes first level positions as those involved in structured work in support of office operations or those engaged in clerical, trades, crafts, or custodial service which involve sub-professional work in a non-supervisory and supervisory capacity.

Yap further emphasized in the hearing that the qualification standards in the government are already “outdated.”

“Ang last review ho was 15 years ago. Marami nang outdated na positions, marami nang mababa ang sweldo na positions…Ang sweldo ng mga IT, ang bababa,” she said.

(The last review was 15 years ago. There are many outdated positions, there are many low-paying positions...The salary for IT personnel is really low.)

Under CSC Resolution No. 2500229, the updated guidelines revised the existing educational requirements in order to reflect changes in the national education system. The revisions formally recognize Junior High School (Grade 10) and Senior High School (Grade 12) graduates under the K to 12 curriculum as eligible for first-level government positions.

Still, the CSC emphasized that prospective applicants should meet the other qualification requirements of the positions, such as relevant training, experience, and eligibility for purposes of appointment to said positions. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News