Wazzup Pilipinas!?
In a significant step towards improving the employability of Filipino workers, Secretary Sonny Angara of the Department of Education (DepEd) presided over the 12th Philippine Qualifications Framework National Coordinating Council (PQF-NCC) meeting at Bulwagan ng Karunungan. This marked Angara's first time chairing the meeting, where critical discussions centered on addressing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s priority of enhancing employability through skills development and lifelong learning.
The Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) serves as a crucial reform to ensure the country’s workforce is better prepared to meet the demands of a competitive global market. By aligning qualifications with national standards and fostering continuous education, the PQF aims to equip the Filipino youth with the skills necessary for future job markets.
Strengthening the Framework for a Competitive Workforce
During the meeting, Secretary Angara led the approval of the PQF-NCC Response letter to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), which outlined an updated organizational structure for the Council. The proposal includes the creation of 22 new plantilla positions to bolster the framework’s operations, reflecting the growing need for more robust management of the PQF's implementation.
In collaboration with the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), DepEd also announced plans to establish a permanent secretariat to streamline the PQF’s functions. The secretariat, to be led by an Executive Director V (equivalent to an Undersecretary), will oversee vital operations, ensuring that the PQF remains efficient and sustainable. Interim staff and technical support will be provided by DAP officials, including Vice President Arnel D. Abanto and Fellow Amor Avendaño, until the new structure is fully operational.
Fostering Collaboration for Industry Relevance
A major outcome of the meeting was the establishment of a technical working group (TWG) tasked with identifying priority sectors that will drive the country’s economic growth. The group will include representatives from both government agencies and private sector partners, ensuring a comprehensive approach to skills development. Initial sectors identified for immediate focus include semiconductors and electronics, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality, maritime, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.
This collaborative effort is aimed at aligning the PQF with the country’s economic goals, ensuring that the qualifications and skills provided to Filipino workers meet the needs of key industries. In a world where technology and industry are rapidly evolving, Angara emphasized the importance of an adaptable and future-ready workforce.
Ensuring Easy Mobility Across Education and Labor Markets
To further simplify the PQF’s application, the Council also set up another TWG to ensure that the framework remains user-friendly and facilitates smoother transitions for individuals moving between education sectors and the labor market, both locally and internationally. This move aims to break down barriers between education, skills development, and employment, giving workers more access to opportunities both in the Philippines and abroad.
Public Awareness and Commitment to Transparency
In a bid to keep the public informed, the PQF-NCC committed to using various media platforms to share updates, accomplishments, and milestones. A dedicated website (https://pqf.gov.ph/) has been launched to serve as the hub for all information related to the PQF, ensuring transparency and widespread awareness of its objectives.
Representatives from key member agencies such as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) attended the meeting. Officials from the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM) II, and the U.S.-Philippines Partnership for Skills, Innovation, and Lifelong Learning (UPSKILL) Program were also present, underlining the strong international and interagency support for the PQF's initiatives.
A Promising Path to National Development
As the Philippines continues to face challenges and opportunities in a fast-evolving global economy, the PQF stands as a beacon of hope for a workforce that is not only skilled but also agile and competitive. Secretary Angara’s leadership and the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved signal a bright future for Filipino workers who will be better equipped to navigate the complexities of both local and international job markets.
The Department of Education’s commitment to the PQF’s objectives is more vital than ever. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and skills development, the Philippines is taking decisive steps toward building a more employable, skilled, and globally competitive workforce.
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