The Journalism Studies Association of the Philippines, Inc. (JSAP) has opposed the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) proposal to reduce General Education (GE) units, warning that the move could weaken the democratic and intellectual foundations of Philippine higher education.
In a position paper released Friday, JSAP said the proposed reframing of GE—from 36 units to 18–21 units—risks diminishing the role of the humanities, social sciences, history, philosophy, and literature in shaping socially responsible graduates.
The group acknowledged CHED’s goal of modernizing the curriculum and aligning it with global standards, but stressed that education should not be reduced to “mere technical training or utilitarian skills.”
“General Education is central to the mission of higher education in the Philippines. It is the foundation upon which the values of democracy, cultural identity, and intellectual rigor are built,” JSAP said.
The organization warned that folding traditional disciplines into broader skills-based courses such as Professional Communication and Data Evidence and Ethics in a Knowledge Society could erode disciplinary depth and displace educators.
JSAP emphasized that journalism education depends heavily on humanities and social science subjects that help students “understand history, interrogate power, and defend truth in the face of disinformation.”
The association also urged CHED to institutionalize media and information literacy across all GE courses, describing it as essential in combating online disinformation and strengthening democratic participation.
In its recommendations, JSAP called for the retention of a balanced GE curriculum covering humanities, social sciences, communication, and natural sciences. It also pushed for mandatory Philippine history and culture courses, stronger civic engagement programs, and broader consultations with academic organizations.
“GE reform is not a neutral administrative exercise—it is a decisive cultural and political act that will shape the character of future generations,” the group said.
JSAP said it remains open to collaborating with CHED and other stakeholders to ensure reforms strengthen, rather than weaken, the democratic mission of higher education.
