DepEd calls for better employment pathway

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February 21, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) yesterday pushed for a better education-to-employment pathway as it emphasized the importance of stronger alignment of educational institutions, training providers, industry partners and government agencies.

In a statement, DepEd stressed that shaping a future-ready workforce requires a unified framework that connects basic education, technical-vocational education and training, higher education and employment to facilitate a smoother transition of students from school to work.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that strengthening the alignment of various sectors is essential in preparing students for the ever-changing needs of the workforce.

Angara said the ongoing updating of the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) aims to lay a clearer path for students and ensure that skills learned in school and training are recognized and valued across various sectors.

He said the updated PQF has eight levels aligned with the ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework, with clear pathways between technical-vocational and higher education.

Senior high school is now included at Level 3, while micro-credentials have been formally incorporated to support lifelong learning and provide learners with more flexible opportunities to expand their skills over time.

The DepEd cited the need for stronger coordination with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Commission on Higher Education and Department of Labor and Employment to address the long-standing gap between education and actual job needs.

“The challenge now is execution – staying the course, aligning budgets and incentives and holding ourselves jointly accountable for learning outcomes,” said Angara.

The DepEd pushed for the establishment of a unified labor market information system and the expansion of enterprise-based training and industry-led upskilling programs.

It said the measures aim to better support students throughout their education and training, and to better prepare them for entry into technical-vocational programs and, ultimately, the workforce.