Catholic educational groups and stakeholders have voiced strong opposition to the Commission on Higher Education's proposed changes to the general education curriculum. They argue the revisions risk undermining holistic learning and turning higher education into mere job training. The groups called for broader consultations before any implementation.
In a joint statement, the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Episcopal Commission on Catholic Education backed earlier concerns from higher education institutions. They stressed that general education forms the core of university experience and should not be narrowed by market-driven goals.
The groups quoted Pope Leo XIV to emphasize that authentic formation must integrate science with humanism and technology with conscience. They urged the Commission on Higher Education to conduct evidence-based reviews involving students, educators and academic leaders.
Over 1,500 stakeholders signed a separate position paper describing the draft as a patchwork of corporate terms lacking a coherent vision. The signatories warned the changes could displace up to 90,000 teaching staff and weaken moral and civic education. They plan to submit the petition to the Commission on Higher Education on May 12.
