Metro Manila, Philippines – Around 83,000 unfilled first-level government positions are now open to senior high school (SHS) graduates, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) said.
CSC Chairperson Marilyn Yap made the announcement during a Senate budget hearing on her agency’s proposed P4.188-billion proposal for 2026.
Senator Win Gatchalian, the finance committee chairman, asked about available government employment opportunities for graduates of the K-12 curriculum.Yap said that as of May, the CSC relaxed its educational qualification requirements, allowing both junior and senior high school graduates to apply for first-level positions — including clerical, administrative support, custodial, and records assistance roles.She clarified that applicants must still pass the sub-professional civil service exam to qualify. She added that fresh graduates may have an advantage in taking the test.“Mas fresh pa yung kanilang utak sa general education principles [Their minds are still fresh when it comes to general education principles],” she said. Despite the relaxed rules, Yap noted that some government agencies still prefer hiring college graduates, appealing to them to reconsider their mindset.Gatchalian then asked how many SHS graduates could potentially benefit.“Para marinig nila and they will be encouraged to apply [So they hear this and feel encouraged to apply],” he said.“There are 83,000 unfilled first level [positions],” Yap replied. Meanwhile, the senator acknowledged the low passing rate in the civil service exam, ranging from 11% to 17% in recent years, saying it is acceptable as it ensures that only qualified individuals enter government service.“Mas mahirap pang pumasa ng CSC kaysa maging abogado [Is it harder to pass the civil service exam than to become a lawyer]?” Gatchalian quipped.Yap said this may be because the civil service exam tests general aptitude, and is not designed to assess knowledge in specialized fields.
