DepEd pushes tighter school-to-work alignment

Seeking to close long-standing gaps between schooling and employment, the Department of Education (DepEd) called for stronger alignment among education institutions, training providers, industry leaders and government agencies during the 16th ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework Committee (AQRFC) Meeting.

Representing the Philippines at the regional gathering, Education Secretary Sonny Angara underscored the need for a common framework that connects basic education, technical-vocational training, higher education, and employment — enabling learners to move more seamlessly from classrooms to careers.

“Our biggest asset is our people. Under President Marcos Jr.'s leadership, we are envisioning a more creative and innovative Filipino learner, which will be a significant boost to the industry,” Angara said.

Updated qualifications framework

Central to this push is the ongoing update of the country’s Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF), which now features eight qualification levels aligned with the ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework (AQRF).

The revised PQF introduces clearer vertical, horizontal, and diagonal pathways between technical-vocational education and higher education.

Under the framework, Senior High School is mapped to Level 3, clarifying its equivalency within the broader qualifications system.

Micro-credentials have been formally integrated, giving learners more flexible, modular ways to build competencies over time.

The DepEd said these refinements are meant to ensure that skills acquired in school or training programs are recognized and valued across sectors, whether learners proceed to college, technical-vocational tracks, or direct employment.

Bridging education and labor gaps

Beyond structural reforms, DepEd emphasized closer coordination with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

The department reiterated support for:

• A unified labor market information system to better match training supply with industry demand;
• Expanded enterprise-based training; and
• Industry-led upskilling programs to address evolving workforce needs.

Officials acknowledged persistent mismatches between education outcomes and employment opportunities, a concern that has surfaced repeatedly in national reviews of the education sector.

Whole-of-system reform

The ASEAN meeting followed the formal turnover of the final report of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) and the National Education and Workforce Development Plan (NatPlan) 2026–2035 to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr..

The DepEd said the reforms align with broader legislative initiatives, including the proposed Lifelong Learning Development Framework Act of 2025, expanded recognition of prior learning mechanisms, and strengthened distance education policies — all aimed at supporting lifelong and flexible learning.

Angara noted that while the policy direction is now clearer, implementation remains the critical test.

“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,” he said.

DepEd maintained that sustained coordination across institutions will be key to building a future-ready Filipino workforce capable of meeting both domestic and regional demands. — BAP, GMA Integrated News