The Department of Education (DepEd) is doubling down on efforts to enhance Filipino workers’ employability through the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF). At the 12th PQF National Coordinating Council (NCC) meeting, Education Secretary Sonny Angara highlighted the government’s commitment to developing a competitive workforce by aligning education with industry needs.
The PQF is a critical reform designed to ensure that Filipino workers possess the skills demanded by the global job market. DepEd’s recent actions, under Sec. Angara’s leadership, aim to create a more structured and sustainable system for skills development and lifelong learning.
Key developments included the approval of a new organizational structure for the PQF-NCC, proposing the creation of 22 new plantilla positions. This move strengthens the infrastructure necessary to implement the PQF’s goals effectively. DepEd will collaborate with the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) to establish a permanent secretariat, led by an Executive Director, to oversee the framework’s operations.
To align education with labor market needs, the Council formed technical working groups (TWGs) to identify priority sectors such as semiconductors, tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing. These sectors will guide workforce training and curriculum development, ensuring graduates are equipped with the skills employers seek.
The Council also committed to simplifying the PQF framework to help individuals transition smoothly between education sectors and the national or international labor markets. A new website and media platforms will promote the PQF’s objectives, keeping stakeholders informed about its progress.
The meeting was attended by representatives from PQF-NCC member agencies, including the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Commission on Higher Education, the Department of Labor and Employment , and the Professional Regulation Commission. Officials from the Development Academy of the Philippines, the Second Congressional Commission on Education II, and the U.S.-Philippines Partnership for Skills, Innovation, and Lifelong Learning Program were also present.
