A TRACER STUDY ON THE SECONDARY EDUCATION MAJOR IN FILIPINO GRADUATES FROM ACADEMIC YEAR 2022 TO 2023: EMPLOYMENT IN FOCUS

This tracer study was conducted to assess the employment rates and employability of graduates who completed the Bachelor of Secondary Education-Filipino program from the years 2022 to 2023 at a local college in Kapalong, Davao del Norte. Additionally, it aimed to identify the graduates attitudes towards work, evaluate the quality of education provided by the institution, and analyze the development of graduates skills and abilities. The study employed a descriptive research method, gathering data from 47 respondents through an online survey using Google Forms. Survey showed that the employment rate of secondary education- major in Filipino graduates was 72.3% of which 38.3% is working as teachers. Further, as to those whose work is non-teaching, 10.6% is working in call center agencies, 6.4% is working as office-based clerk, 4.3% are government employee, 2.1% as kitchen manager, 6.4% as sales associate, 2.1% as events manager, and another 2.1% as storekeeper. Then, 8.5% are regular employees, 6.4% are self-employed, 31.9% are full-time employees, 4.3% are on job order, 19.1% are working on contractual basis, and 2.1% is working on part-time but seeking full-time employment. Meanwhile, surveyed showed that there are only 10.6% who pursued further graduate studies. The level of attitude to work, quality education provisions of the institution as well as skills and abilities development obtained a very high descriptive rating which means that the secondary education- major in Filipino graduates always manifested the said behaviors. Results showed that secondary education- major in Filipino faces unemployment. Thus, it is advisable for the school to appoint a graduate employability coordinator. This individual would be tasked with tracking and overseeing graduates employment statuses, as well as organizing online forums to disseminate information regarding various job vacancies and opportunities available for application.