Trisha Anne P. Segumban 

Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara presided over the 12th Philippine Qualifications Framework National Coordinating Council (PQF-NCC) at Bulwagan ng Karunungan, emphasizing reforms to boost employability among Filipino workers. 

Photos Courtesy of Department of Education.

The council has approved a PQF-NCC response letter to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), proposing the creation of 22 new plantilla positions to strengthen the organizational structure of the council. 

Reforms discussed during the meeting aim to improve the employability of the Filipino workers through lifelong learning and competitive skills development, aligned with the country’s labor market demands. 

Angara emphasized the importance of collaboration among government agencies, private sectors, and international partners in addressing skills gaps, and advancing the qualifications framework. 

Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) will assist the DepEd in establishing a permanent secretariat for PQF, to be led by Executive Director V, equivalent to the rank of an undersecretary.

DAP Vice President Arnel D. Abanto assured interim staff and technical support while the secretariat's organizational framework was finalized. 

The council agreed to follow the screening and selection process outlined in the PQF Act’s implementing rules and regulations for appointing representatives from industry and economic sectors. 

A technical working group (TWG) was created to identify priority sectors, which include electronics, semiconductors, manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and maritime. 

TWG will ensure that the qualifications are aligned with both national and international labor market standards, facilitating mobility and recognition of Filipino workers globally. 

Simplifying the PQF framework is prioritized to enhance accessibility and understanding among stakeholders, including private sectors and educational institutions. 

Representatives from PQF-NCC member agencies, including TESDA Director General Suharto Mangudadatu, CHED Chairperson Prospero De Vera III, and DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma were present at the event. 

The reforms reflect the government’s commitment to equipping Filipino workers with globally competitive skills, fostering economic growth, and ensuring alignment with ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework (AQRF).