The Department of Education (DepEd) said Tuesday that it would be introducing to high school students the "Know About Business" (KAB) curriculum for pilot implementation in the country using an entrepreneurship module developed by the International Labor Office (ILO) head office in Geneva, Switzerland.

The module was implemented successfully in over 20 countries worldwide, it was learned.

"The ultimate objective of this curriculum is to give young students in the Philippines with greater capacity to become productive members of society," said Education Undersecretary Ramon Bacani.

Bacani explained that the pilot test will run for one year in selected public high schools in Batangas, Rizal, Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, Dumaguete City, Cebu City, Mandaue City, Talisay City, Davao City, Cotabato City, Marikina City, Manila, Parañaque City, Quezon City, Pasig City, and four other private schools in Metro Manila.

"Depending on the results of the pilot test, the KAB curriculum will also be implemented on a nationwide basis," he added.

According to ILO, the KAB is a training program for trainers and teachers in vocational education, secondary education and higher education. It is a 120-hour course for young students between the ages of 15-18.

Under the ILO Project on Promoting Youth Employment in the Philippines: Policy and Action, the KAB initiative aims to promote awareness among youth of the opportunities and challenges of entrepreneurship and self-employment and of their role in shaping their future and that of their country’s economic and social development.

The curriculum includes a trainer handbook and eight modules, each representing a key area of entrepreneurship.