DepEd, CHED, TESDA set unified learner data system across levels

A landmark agreement to establish a unified learner data system has been signed by the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), allowing learners to be tracked seamlessly across education pathways.

On October 3, the agreement was finalized during the first Joint National Management Committee (ManCom) meeting of the three agencies, which aimed to address learning losses, strengthen linkages, and prepare graduates for the demands of the workforce.

“Historic in its nature ang meeting na ito dahil, for the first time, nagsama-sama ang tatlong pangunahing ahensiya ng edukasyon sa bansa upang matiyak na ang ating learning delivery ay handang tumugon sa hamon ng mga kalamidad,” DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara stated.

Under the memorandum of understanding, CHED will adopt the DepEd-issued learner reference number as the unique identifier for higher education students.

The new system ensures continuous monitoring of learners as they progress from basic education to higher education and technical-vocational training.

“This gathering allows us to roll up our sleeves together and talk openly about the things that matter most: making sure that our education system is aligned with the needs of our industries, that our policies complement instead of compete with each other, and that every learner—from basic education, to tech-voc, to higher education can find a pathway that leads to opportunity,” CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis said.

CHED will also lead capacity-building initiatives for higher education institutions to integrate their systems into the framework, while ensuring data privacy and quality assurance.

The harmonized data system is expected to improve the delivery of scholarships, subsidies, and merit-based programs under RA 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.

TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez underscored the importance of resilience in human development, saying “it is after all [important to be a] resilient nation, particularly when it comes to human development that we are all gathered here today.”

Industry partners who attended the ManCom stressed that a unified data system could help align education and training with labor market needs, giving graduates structured career pathways.

The joint meeting also produced an agreement between DepEd and TESDA to further strengthen the Senior High School Technical-Vocational track, in line with the goal of improving employability.