Latest news with #SHS
Filipino Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Marcos echoes frustration over Senior High School, says system has ‘no advantage'
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. expressed frustration with the current Senior High School (SHS) curriculum under the K to 12 program, saying it burdens parents financially without offering clear benefits to students. In the latest episode of the BBM Podcast, Marcos responded to Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada's call to reassess the basic education system by possibly removing SHS. Marcos said Estrada's concern reflects his own sentiments. 'It's costing parents more because of the additional two years, and there's no clear advantage. SHS graduates still struggle to find jobs,' Marcos said in Filipino. While noting that Congress holds the authority to amend or repeal the law mandating K to 12, the President said that improvements must continue in the meantime. 'I told Secretary Sonny Angara: let's improve it as much as we can while it's still in place,' he added. Education Secretary Angara recently admitted shortcomings in SHS implementation over the past decade. He cited an overloaded curriculum and limited student choice as key issues. 'There were too many subjects, and students were boxed in. They couldn't choose what subjects to take,' Angara said. Still, he emphasized that only Congress can decide the future of the SHS program. In August 2024, Marcos ordered a review and rationalization of the SHS curriculum to ensure graduates are better equipped for high-quality employment.
GMA Network
3 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Marcos frustrated with SHS curriculum: Wala namang advantage
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. has expressed frustration over the Senior High School Curriculum, noting that the system has "no advantage." In an episode of the BBM Podcast, Marcos was asked about the call of Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada to rationalize the basic education system in the country by removing the senior high school under the K to 12 program. 'It's just expressing the same frustration that I expressed in the first place. It's costing more for the parents kasi nadagdagan ng two years pa... Sa ten years, wala namang advantage, wala namang naging advantage, hindi naman nakukuha sa trabaho eh. That's his frustration, that's also my frustration,'' Marcos said. (It's costing more for the parents because there's an additional two years. In ten years, there's no advantage. They are not hired. That's his frustration, that's also my frustration.) 'So we'll see what the Congress will do. But while the law is still K to 12, basta't ang sinabi ko kay Sec. Sonny Angara, pagandahin natin nang husto habang nandiyan pa 'yan (let's improve it until it's still there),'' he added. In August 2024, Marcos directed the rationalization of the SHS Curriculum as he wanted to ensure that SHS graduates could acquire high-quality jobs. Meanwhile, in filing Senate Bill No. 3001, Estrada said that the SHS 'still has not fully achieved its goal' to produce skilled and job-ready graduates 12 years after the enactment of Republic Act No. 10533, also known as the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013. Under the proposed measure, Estrada seeks to retain the fundamental principles of RA 10533, sans the SHS level in a bid 'to simplify the high school system while still making sure students get quality education that meets global standards.' He recommended a one-year kindergarten education, followed by six years of elementary education, and four years of secondary education. The revised SHS curriculum, which underwent extensive review and consultation from education stakeholders, will also be piloted in School Year 2025-2026. There are 841 schools set to participate in the pilot run. One of the key features of the new curriculum is the reduction of core subjects from the 15 being offered per semester to just five that will be offered for a full year in Grade 11. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
TimesLIVE
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Fuel-sipping Jaecoo J7 plug-in hybrid arrives in Mzansi
The SHS has arrived in SA as the new petrol-electric version of the Jaecoo J7 midsize SUV, and one of the most affordable plug-in hybrids in its segment. The first of several new electrified models from the Chinese brand, the new flagship SHS grows the J7 line-up to four variants after Jaecoo, sister brand of Chery, made its SA debut in April 2024. The J7 has been available as a 1.6 petrol turbo model with front wheel drive and outputs of 145kW and 290Nm. SHS is short for Super Hybrid System and combines a turbocharged 1.5 l petrol engine and an electric motor. The total outputs of 255kW and 525Nm are sent to the road via all-wheel drive. A dedicated hybrid transmission drives the wheels with different modes and is able to control the balance between energy consumption and performance. Jaecoo claims the vehicle sips only 5 l /100km and has 90km of pure electric drive range, and has a 1,200km combined driving range on a single tank with a fully charged battery. In my week-long test drive on a mix of urban and open roads, the J7 SHS averaged 5.2 l /100km, which was very close to the factory claim and an impressively low figure for a car of this size and power. The 18.3 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery can be charged from 30% to 80% in only 20 minutes using a DC fast charger. It takes about two-and-a-half hours to charge at an AC public charger, or overnight on a regular 240V home socket. When fully charged the battery initially drained quickly, but once it got down to about 30% the car's energy recuperation system kept it at around that level, meaning we didn't have to plug it in to charge it.
Filipino Times
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Angara admits flaws in K-12 program, says Congress to decide on its future
Education Secretary Sonny Angara acknowledged on Friday that the implementation of the senior high school (SHS) curriculum under the K to 12 program has faced significant challenges over the past decade. Angara cited the overwhelming number of subjects and the lack of flexibility for students as among the major issues. 'Hindi maganda ang naging implementation nitong nakaraang dekada. Masyadong marami ang subjects at nakahon masyado ang mga bata. Hindi sila nakakapili ng subject/s,' he said. Despite these shortcomings, Angara stressed that only Congress can decide whether the SHS program should continue or be removed. This comes after Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada filed Senate Bill 3001 or the Rationalized Basic Education Act, which seeks to remove SHS from the current education setup, citing its failure to meet its intended goals. In response, the Department of Education (DepEd) plans to pilot a 'strengthened' SHS curriculum in 841 schools deemed highly ready. Under the revised curriculum set for School Year 2025–2026, the number of core SHS subjects will be reduced from 15 to just five: effective communication, life skills, general mathematics, general science, and Filipino history and society. Still, Angara reiterated that any final decision on the program's future lies with the legislature: 'Ang desisyon kung ipagpapatuloy ang SHS o hindi ay Kongreso lamang po ang makakapagsabi at makakapag-pasya.'
The Citizen
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Plug-in Jaecoo J7 and Omoda C9's shock goes further than power
Chery division's first hybrid models not only come with dramatic outputs, but a market first decade-long warranty on various battery and electric motor components. Omoda & Jaecoo has officially launched its first plug-in hybrid models in South Africa, the C9 SHS (right) and J7 SHS (left). Images: Charl Bosch Known to be in the pipeline for South Africa since being founded as the standalone brand from parent company Chery now almost two years ago, Omoda & Jaecoo officially debuted its first hybrid models this week under the newly created SHS or Super Hybrid System banner. Shock to the system A moniker unveiled at the Shanghai International Auto Show in March, and set to be used by the Chery as well, the setup utilises a plug-in hybrid configuration as a way of what the brand views as being the ideal new energy propulsion method for the local market. ALSO READ: Intensely shocked plug-in hybrid Omoda C9 SHS arriving in June Initially, this entails two models, the Omoda C9 and Jaecoo J7, with the former's C7 set to be the third SHS model come later this year. Having grown steadily with sales combined sales this year so far of 4 110 units, the division's SHS launch in Muldersdrift outside Johannesburg involved a trek to and from the Gerotek testing facility where a series of normally uncommon exercises was to take place. Petrol vs SHS Teased in select details throughout May after being finally approved in February, the J7 SHS and C9 SHS seemingly differ little from their respective petrol siblings on first glance, though closer inspection soon reveals the hybrid specific touches. Besides the second flap that hides the charging outlet on the left rear wing, both get PHEV badges on the bootlid and, in the case of the J7, 19-inch aero wheels. Modelled on the mid-range Glacier with the C9 using the top-spec Explore as a base, the biggest difference reside underneath the bonnet where the former loses the 1.6 T-GDI engine and the latter the 2.0 T-GDI unit. J7 SHS's biggest exterior difference from the normal petrol are the 19-inch aero alloy wheels Losing their respective seven-speed dual-clutch and eight-speed torque converter automatic gearboxes as well, both utilise the 1.5 T-GDI from the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro and Omoda C5, albeit connected to a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) with a single-speed in the J7 and a three-speed in the C9. For the former, the electric hardware consists of an 18.3-kWh battery pack powering a single electric motor on the rear axle. Combined, the setup develops 255kW/525Nm, which Omoda & Jaecoo claims will take the J7 SHS from 0-100 km/h in 8.4 seconds. The claimed all-electric range is 90 km and the combined with the petrol engine included 1 250 km. C9's rear visual difference from the regular petrol is the PHEV badge on the tailgate and the secondary charging flap on the rear wing. At the same time, the fuel consumption is 4.8 L/100 km and the waiting time 20-25 minutes from 30-80% using a DC fast charger. Officially the most powerful Chinese car now available in South Africa, the C9 SHS not only gets the bigger 34.4-kWh battery pack, but two additional electric motors for a total of three. The result is a total output of 440kW/915Nm, a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds and an all-electric range of 150 km. Its driveline making it all-wheel-drive from the start versus the front-wheel-drive J7, the C9 SHS has a combined range of 1 100 km, fuel consumption of 5.8 L/100 km and the same 20-25 minute waiting time from 30-80% when using a fast charger. The drive J7 SHS Topping their respective line-ups, the first leg of the journey involved the J7, whose inclusion of the hybrid system as seen the lamented combination of a poorly calibrated throttle and mismatched transmission being eradicated almost completely. Smooth on take-off and no longer as laggy, the J7 feels more responsive and, even at highway speeds, able to travel a significant distance on EV power than its supposed range claim. Despite its smaller battery than that of the C9, the J7 SHS also supports DC fast charging. In total, the J7 SHS comes with two hybrid modes; the default HEV and fully-electric EV, plus three drive modes; Eco, Normal and Sport. Once depleted, or at higher speeds, the powerplant reverts to the petrol engine, a transition that goes relatively smoothly without any jerks being present. That being said, once fired-up, the smaller capacity petrol becomes audible at the national limit, and with a strained noise which does smoothen once at a constant speed. Spec Besides a new centre console, which has seen the aircraft-style gear lever being dropped and replaced by a steering column-mounted selector, the rest of the J7 SHS's cabin is unchanged and feels not only premium and well put together, but spacious despite the standard fitting of the panoramic sunroof. Glacier-spec based means the standard inclusion of the 14.8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless smartphone charger, the eight-speaker Sony sound system, an integrated dashcam, electric, heated and ventilated front seats, Head-Up Display, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, an electric tailgate and ambient lighting. J7 SHS' interior sports a new centre console and a column-shift gear lever. Safety and driver assistance system, which sadly still includes the frustrating Driver Monitoring System, comprises the following: 360-degree surround-view camera; front and rear parking sensors; Automatic Emergency Braking Adaptive Cruise Control; Rear Cross Traffic Alert; Auto High Beam Assist; Traffic Jam Assist; Lane Departure Warning Blind Spot Monitoring In the confines of Gerotek, the task with the J7 involved manoeuvring it through a series of strategy placed cones without knocking them down. With the surfaces wetted, the front-wheel-drive J7 felt largely composed, but, unsurprisingly, tended to oversteer when turned sharply. A PHEV logo has been added to the tailgate on the right-hand side. Admittedly, and highly unlikely to be driven in the same manner as the media by future buyers, the J7's steering felt slightly better than that of its petrol sibling, though still recognisable as an over assisted electric setup. Notably, an all-wheel-drive model is in the works and could arrive either by year-end or in 2026 depending on the rate of development. C9 Swapping from the J7 to the plusher but much more powerful C9, the pair of line-up tests included a high-speed braking exercise and the dreaded moose test. Feeling its weight when jarred from side-to-side as found with the normal Explore tested last year, the C9 SHS' greater power becomes apparent, but not with the same potency as its figures suggest. Despite its smaller battery than that of the C9, the J7 SHS also supports DC fast charging. Braking from an eventual 158 km/h, the C9 didn't feel as lacking in the brake department as the petrol variant did, however, the overly assisted steering prevailed. Away from Gerotek, the continues adaptive dampers have been retuned to accommodate the electric system and as such, no longer result in the C9 being as floaty as before. In an opposite from the J7 though, the electric motors and battery pack haven't solved the C9's throttle calibration foibles as a noticeable delay and hesitation remains before it eventually accelerates. New to the interior are hybrid graphics within the instrument cluster and infotainment system, and a two-tone brown-and-black Nappa leather finish. Refined and quiet, the transition from petrol to electric is just as unobtrusive as in the J7, with three hybrid modes being available: HEV, EV and EV+, along with the carryover six driving settings: Eco, Normal, Sport, Mud, Snow and Off-Road. As with the J7, the firing of the power engine comes is anything but pleasant on the ear and becomes badly strained when accelerating as a likely result of it having to work harder with the added weight of the battery pack and trio of electric motors. Given that all of the models still had to be run-in and that some had done less than 1 000 km, a more thorough determination will be given once the first units arrive for the seven-day test. Spec As for standard equipment, the C9 SHS comes standard with Nappa leather upholstery, a fragrance dispenser, heated, electric and ventilated front seats, a 12-speaker Sony sound system, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats and a panoramic sunroof. Centre dashboard dial now comes with integrated HEV and EV buttons. Include further are two wireless smartphone chargers, Head-Up Display, ambient lighting and a pair of 12.3-inch displays for the instrument cluster and the infotainment system – the latter furnished with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard safety and driver assistance tech comprises: 540-degree camera system; Auto High Beam Assist LED headlights; Driver Attention Monitor; Adaptive Cruise Control; Lane Departure Warning; Blind Spot Monitoring; Lead Vehicle Alert; Rear Cross Traffic Alert; Lane Keep Assist; Reverse Automatic Braking Conclusion With the mentioned sales growth experienced throughout the year so far, the introduction of the SHS variants of the Jaecoo J7 and Omoda C9 adds an element of assurance given the uncertainty and range anxiety still associated with fully electric vehicles. At the same time providing a near-on 100 km electric range – in the case of the J7 – self-charging hybrids cannot match it still remains to be seen how both will be accepted come the monthly sales figures. Price Included with each model's price tag, the J7 SHS and C9 SHS introduce a series of warranty firsts to the local markets. In addition to the first owner-only 10-year/1 000 000 km engine warranty, both come standard with a 10-year/200 000 km guarantee on not only the battery, but also various other electric components Omoda & Jaecoo refers to as the power motor control unit. Completing the back-up guarantees is a seven-year/200 000 km warranty, a five-year/75 000 km service plan and, for the first 250 buyers only, free installation of a wallbox charging unit as a premises of choice. J7 J7 1.6 T-GDI Vortex DCT – R519 900 J7 1.6 T-GDI Glacier DCT – R579 900 J7 1.6 T-GDI Inferno AWD DCT – R679 900 J7 SHS – R689 900 C9 C9 2.0 T-GDI Inspire AT – R785 900 C9 2.0 T-GDI Explore AWD AT – R885 900 C9 SHS – R999 000 ALSO READ: Plug-in hybrid Jaecoo J7 becoming one with the grid in June
