DepEd Champions Education-Industry Alignment at ASEAN Meeting
The Department of Education (DepEd) has intensified its call for enhanced coordination among educational institutions, training providers, industry partners, and government agencies. This initiative aims to facilitate a more seamless transition for learners from academic environments to professional workplaces.
Building a Future-Ready Workforce
During the 16th ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework Committee Meeting, DepEd emphasized that constructing a workforce prepared for future challenges necessitates a unified framework. This framework must effectively link basic education, technical-vocational training, higher education, and employment sectors.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara highlighted that reinforcing alignment across these diverse sectors is crucial for equipping Filipino learners with the skills needed to meet evolving industry demands. "Our biggest asset is our people. Under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s leadership, we are envisioning a more creative and innovative Filipino learner, which will be a significant boost to the industry," Angara stated.
Updates to the Philippine Qualifications Framework
The shared vision for educational and industrial synergy is being realized through continuous revisions to the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF). This updated framework establishes more transparent pathways for learners and guarantees that competencies acquired through schooling and training receive recognition and value across various sectors.
The revised PQF now incorporates eight distinct levels, meticulously aligned with the ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework. It provides clear vertical, horizontal, and diagonal pathways connecting technical-vocational education with higher education institutions.
Currently, Senior High School education corresponds to Level 3 within this framework. Additionally, micro-credentials have been formally integrated to promote lifelong learning and offer learners adaptable opportunities for skill development throughout their careers.
Inter-Agency Collaboration and Labor Market Integration
Secretary Angara also underscored the vital importance of inter-agency cooperation to tackle issues such as employment mismatch and curriculum deficiencies. He advocated for the establishment of a unified labor market information system to better align educational outputs with industry needs.
Key government agencies involved in this collaborative effort include the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). DepEd has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting a consolidated labor market information system and expanding enterprise-based training alongside industry-led upskilling programs.
These comprehensive measures are designed to ensure learners receive robust support throughout their educational and training journeys, preparing them more effectively for entry into technical-vocational programs and, ultimately, the workforce.
Angara concluded, "We already see alignment under President Marcos' leadership. The challenge now is execution – staying the course, aligning budgets and incentives, and holding ourselves jointly accountable for learning outcomes."
