The Department of Education in Central Visayas (DepEd-7) has officially declared that circulating online information about the abolition of Senior High School programs is completely false. This clarification comes in response to misleading social media posts that have caused confusion among students and parents across the region.
Official Statement from DepEd-7 Director
Salustiano Jimenez, the Regional Director of DepEd-7, made a clear statement on Sunday, November 16, 2025, addressing the misinformation directly. He emphasized that posts circulating on various social media platforms featuring the DepEd logo and claiming the elimination of Grade 11 and Grade 12 starting school year 2026-2027 are entirely fabricated.
Jimenez specifically addressed the false claim that stated "Walay Grade 11 ug 12" (No Grade 11 and 12) beginning next school year. He categorically denied these allegations and reassured the public that the Senior High School program remains an integral part of the Philippine education system.
Debunking the False Claims
The viral social media posts not only incorrectly announced the termination of Senior High School but also falsely claimed that some schools had already begun implementing this non-existent policy. This additional misinformation created unnecessary anxiety among educational institutions and stakeholders throughout Central Visayas.
Director Jimenez used this opportunity to clarify that the Senior High School program will continue without interruption. The department remains committed to providing complete basic education from Kindergarten through Grade 12, as mandated by the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013.
Importance of Verifying Educational Information
This incident highlights the critical need for students, parents, and educational institutions to verify information through official channels before sharing or acting on it. The DepEd official advised the public to rely only on announcements from verified DepEd sources and official government communications.
The Department of Education maintains that the Senior High School program is a permanent component of the country's educational structure, designed to equip students with necessary skills for higher education, employment, or entrepreneurship. Parents and students can proceed with confidence that their educational plans for the coming years remain secure and unchanged.
