DepEd, CHED, TESDA ally to tackle learning losses amid disasters

In a move to strengthen the country’s education system amid disasters and other crises, the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) held their first-ever Joint National Management Committee (ManCom) meeting on Thursday.

The meeting aimed to align strategies, improve coordination, and address pressing concerns across all education levels from basic to technical-vocational and higher education.

“Historic in its nature ang meeting na ito dahil, for the first time, nagsama-sama ang tatlong pangunahing ahensiya ng edukasyon sa bansa upang matiyak na ang ating learning delivery ay handang tumugon sa hamon ng mga kalamidad,” said Education Secretary Sonny Angara.

(This meeting is historic because for the first time the three main education agencies in the country came together to ensure that our learning delivery is ready to respond to the challenges posed by disasters.)

Angara was joined in the top-level meeting by CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis, TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez, and EDCOM 2 Executive Director Karol Mark Yee.

The discussions focused on mitigating learning losses, strengthening collaboration with the private sector, and ensuring that graduates at all levels are equipped with the skills needed in a rapidly changing workforce.

The meeting also brought together around 15 industry partners who emphasized the value of government-private sector collaboration in shaping education that matches evolving labor market demands. Several partners shared their ongoing partnerships with public schools to provide upskilling opportunities and sought ways to align these initiatives into structured career pathways.

The meeting also resulted in milestone agreements aimed at improving the quality, relevance, and competitiveness of Filipino learners.

DepEd, CHED, and TESDA signed a Memorandum of Understanding on data sharing to strengthen evidence-based policymaking, while TESDA and DepEd formalized a Memorandum of Agreement to enhance the implementation of technical-vocational programs under the Senior High School curriculum.

The agencies likewise reviewed challenges and opportunities in the Senior High School Technical-Vocational Track, including its integration with the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the Tertiary Education Subsidy, and explored ways to expand access through inclusive education programs. They also reaffirmed their commitment to the Philippine Qualifications Framework, a key reform that aligns education standards nationwide.

“This is really a milestone for our country and for our trifocalized education system. This is the time that we will be together with our team for a common goal towards quality education and address the problem and concerns on the ground,” said Agrupis.—LDF, GMA Integrated News