BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

The Department of Education (DepEd) recently convened the 12th Philippine Qualifications Framework National Coordinating Council (PQF-NCC) meeting at Bulwagan ng Karunungan, with Secretary Sonny Angara presiding as chair for the first time.

Setting up the PQF is a key reform that helps address the President’s priority to boost employability of Filipino workers based on lifelong learning and more competitive skills building among Filipino youth.

With Sec. Angara at the helm, the Council discussed and approved the PQF-NCC Response letter to the DBM with the updated organizational structure, which proposes the creation of 22 new plantilla positions.

DepEd will also collaborate with the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) for the establishment of a permanent secretariat, to be led by an Executive Director V (equivalent to the rank of an Undersecretary).

DAP Vice President Arnel D. Abanto and DAP Fellow Amor Avendaño assured interim staff and technical support until the PQF-NCC completes its organizational setup. These involve the development of relevant documented information on policies, systems, and procedures and the setting up of performance monitoring systems to ensure the effective operations of the secretariat and sustainability.

In addition, the Council agreed to follow the screening and selection as elaborated in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the PQF Act for the selection of representatives from the industry and economic sectors.

A technical working group (TWG) will be created to identify priority sectors with representation from Council members and mandated agencies incorporating government development plans. In consultation with private sector partners, an initial list of priority sectors included semiconductors and electronics, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality, maritime, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.

The Council set up another TWG to ensure that the PQF framework is easier to understand and use, help individuals move easily and readily between education sectors and the national and international labor markets.

Lastly, the Council committed to strengthen its commitment to the PQF objectives by informing stakeholders and partners about the law, its IRR, and its accomplishments through a website (https://pqf.gov.ph/) and other media platforms.

The meeting was attended by representatives from PQF-NCC member agencies: 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).

Officials from DAP, the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM) II, and the U.S.-Philippines Partnership for Skills, Innovation, and Lifelong Learning (UPSKILL) Program officials were also present.

*All Photos from DepEd