Manila: Private Senior High Schools (SHS) are now required to secure formal Government Recognition for the School Year (SY) 2027 to 2028, the Department of Education (DepEd) said Thursday. This mandate is detailed in DepEd Order (DO) No. 12, series 2026, which aims to address regulatory gaps in private SHS programs by transitioning from provisional permits to government recognition.
According to Philippines News Agency, Education Secretary Sonny Angara stated that the order will contribute to establishing a 'clearer and more consistent' quality standard across both public and private school systems. 'Sa pamamagitan ng Government Recognition, mas malinaw ang pamantayan, mas accountable ang institutions, at mas protektado ang learners (Through the Government Recognition, there will be clearer standards, more accountable institutions, and better protected learners),' he said.
Under DO 12 s. 2026, all private SHS with valid permits are required to secure Government Recognition to be granted permanent legal authority to operate. This recognition will affirm the private institution's compliance with DepEd standards in critical areas such as curriculum, leadership, facilities, learner support, faculty, planning, and finance.
The DepEd will implement standardized application, validation, evaluation, and monitoring procedures for processing Government Recognition. To ensure learning continuity, private SHS will be given a one-year transition period for compliance during SY 2026 to 2027.
During this transition period, eligible institutions, including those accredited by the Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines (FAAP), certified by the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC), and designated as Strengthened SHS Pilot Schools, may receive 'automatic recognition' under certain conditions. Starting SY 2027 to 2028, only private SHS with Government Recognition will be authorized to admit Grade 11 students under the SHS Voucher program.
Currently, as of SY 2024 to 2025, private schools offering SHS programs comprise 38 percent of all SHS nationwide, serving approximately 1.46 million Grade 11 and 12 learners.
