MANILA, Philippines — Senator Win Gatchalian has filed a bill seeking to reduce college education to just three years by eliminating redundant general education subjects and focusing on specialization, a move he said fulfills the long-standing promise of the K to 12 program.

“Noong nagdagdag tayo ng dalawang taon sa high school, ipinangako natin sa ating mga kababayan na iikli ang panahong kailangang ilaan sa kolehiyo. Panahon na upang tuparin natin ang pangakong ito,” Gatchalian said.

Under the proposed Three-Year College Education (3CE) Act, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) will be empowered to allow degree programs to be completed in no more than three academic years — provided these still meet assessed industry needs, international standards, and recognized best practices.

The measure mandates that all general education (GE) courses be integrated and completed during senior high school. This aims to ensure college students are ready for specialization and have more time for internships and advanced training.

Gatchalian cited findings from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), which noted that college programs in the Philippines are “GE-heavy and internship-light,” creating a mismatch between academic training and workforce needs.

The bill is among Gatchalian’s top priority education measures for the 20th Congress.