DepEd refines Lifelong Learning Law to count work, life skills for school credits

The Department of Education (DepEd) is refining the implementing rules of the country’s Lifelong Learning Development Framework (LLDF) Act to allow Filipinos to convert skills gained from work and community training into formal education credits and certifications.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said Tuesday that the initiative aims to expand learning opportunities for Filipinos, regardless of age, background, or educational pathway.

“Our goal is to ensure that no Filipino is left behind in a rapidly changing world by making quality education a lifelong journey rather than a one-time event,” Angara said.

The Philippine Qualifications Framework–National Coordinating Council (PQF-NCC) recently held an online public consultation to refine the draft implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 12313, which institutionalizes lifelong learning opportunities nationwide.

Signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in October, the measure lets people turn skills learned at work or through community training into school credits or official qualifications.

Aligning programs

During the consultation held on February 27, stakeholders from local governments, industry groups, civil society, and community organizations discussed ways to align the law’s implementation with existing programs such as the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program and the Philippine Credit Transfer System.

The proposed alignment would allow workers and learners to apply knowledge gained from experience or nonformal training toward academic degrees or professional certifications.

Officials emphasized that broad participation from different sectors is crucial in shaping the rules governing the law.

“The implementation of RA 12313 rests heavily on the participation of stakeholders who have taken the time to contribute to this public consultation,” said lawyer Jhazen Binayan of DepEd’s Legislative Liaison Office.

LGU roles

The consultation also highlighted the role of local governments in promoting lifelong learning initiatives within communities.

Director Maricor Anne DG. Cauton of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines said technical assistance would be provided to help local governments scale learning programs.

DepEd and the PQF-NCC are currently reviewing recommendations gathered during the consultation as they finalize the implementing rules of the law.

Officials said the framework aims to build a system where education continues beyond traditional schooling and becomes accessible throughout a person’s life.—MCG, GMA Integrated News