Then and now: analyzing Filipino youth education and work decisions following the 12 basic education reform

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the trends in youth education and work outcomes before and after the implementation of the kindergarten to grade 12 (K-12) Basic Education Reform, focusing on three broad outcomes: (1) in education, (2) in employment, or (3) not in employment, education or training (NEET). It determines certain characteristics associated with each of these outcomes by employing multinomial logistic regression analysis. The study finds that although the overall likelihood of being in education has increased after the reform, certain groups, particularly disadvantaged ones, still have higher probabilities of being in employment or NEET rather than continuing their education. Furthermore, after the reform, young men from disadvantaged groups have a higher probability of being NEET. Albeit minimal, this merits investigation and monitoring in the future, as it may worsen inequalities.