DepEd positions basic education as cornerstone of Tatak Pinoy workforce agenda

The Department of Education (DepEd) will anchor the Marcos administration’s Tatak Pinoy industrial competitiveness strategy in basic education, highlighting the sector’s central role in shaping a skilled, innovative, and future-ready Filipino workforce.

In a statement Tuesday, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the vision behind the Tatak Pinoy Law (Republic Act 11981) which he authored and sponsored in the Senate “begins in the classroom,” where 25 million learners and the country’s largest pool of public school teachers can be mobilized to develop the competencies needed for a more competitive economy.

“Education is the foundation of Tatak Pinoy. If we want Filipino industries to compete globally, we must prepare learners with strong fundamentals, modern skills, and exposure to high-value sectors,” Angara said.

The law is one of the priority measures backed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and endorsed through the LEDAC Common Legislative Agenda. Its goal is to boost Filipino industries via higher productivity, stronger supply chains, and a more capable workforce.

Education part of industrial strategy

Under Angara, DepEd has launched initiatives that align basic education with the needs of fast-growing industries. 

Among these is the Kids for the Future of Philippine Industrialization (K4F-PH) program, developed with the Board of Investments (BOI) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The initiative introduces learners to emerging sectors such as semiconductors, IT, electronics, and the creative economy.

DepEd is also coordinating with BOI on a geo-mapping system that identifies industries near schools—intended to guide curriculum alignment, partnerships, and workforce development at the local level.

The department’s procurement practices have begun reflecting Tatak Pinoy principles as well. 

DepEd now prioritizes technical-vocational and arts and trade schools capable of producing school desks and furniture, while reserving 25% of school furniture procurement for cooperatives to support smaller Filipino producers.

For the School-Based Feeding Program, DepEd continues sourcing milk from local farmers and acquiring DOST-FNRI–certified food packs, ensuring that investments in education reinforce domestic agriculture and food manufacturing.

Strengthening tech-voc and AI capacity

DepEd said it has updated the Tech-Voc-Livelihood (TVL) curriculum, expanded nationwide digital connectivity, and increased industry immersion hours for TVL students. Partnerships with private sector organizations—including Toyota and Joy Nostalg—provide teachers with workplace training in key technical fields.

A major component of DepEd’s contribution to the Tatak Pinoy Law is the establishment of the Education Center for AI Research (ECAIR), which is developing practical AI models to address learning gaps, dropout risks, school safety, and resource allocation. Angara said ECAIR is a long-term investment in national AI skills.

Nurturing innovation and creativity

To support creativity and innovation, DepEd awarded School Innovation Grants to institutions in 4th and 5th class municipalities and will launch TUKLAS in 2026—an assistance program for financially challenged but high-potential learners and teacher-coaches joining competitions at home and abroad.

DepEd is also advancing Tatak Pinoy’s other pillars: improving school infrastructure, boosting STEAM and AI programs, expanding digital access, and promoting domestic preference for Filipino-made learning materials and educational technologies.

Next steps: Regional hubs and stronger industry alignment

Looking ahead, DepEd plans to establish regional Tatak Pinoy hubs, expand fabrication labs and innovation spaces, deepen TVL–industry linkages, enhance teacher upskilling programs, and improve national skills mapping using its data systems.

“These efforts ensure that DepEd becomes a true engine of Tatak Pinoy — developing the next generation of Filipino talent who will drive a more competitive and future-ready economy,” Angara said. —Sherylin Untalan/RF, GMA Integrated News