EXPANDING the use of micro-credentials in technical-vocational education and training (TVET) could equip Filipino workers with in-demand skills and address the country’s persistent job-skills mismatch, the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) said on Wednesday.

“As companies shift toward skills-based hiring, micro-credentials offer a faster and more efficient way to equip Filipinos with the specific competencies employers need,” PBEd Executive Director Justine B. Raagas said in a statement.

“They can help Filipinos close skills gaps, move forward in their careers, and find better job opportunities in today’s changing workforce,” she added.

A study titled “Examining the Microcredentialing Landscape in the Philippines,” supported by the Australian Government’s A Future That Works program, highlighted micro-credentials’ potential to enhance employability and address skills gaps.

However, the study emphasized the need for clearer systems, stronger coordination, and wider recognition across sectors, particularly from the private sector.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) formalized the adoption of micro-credentials through TESDA Circular No. 077-2024, issued on March 14.

The circular allows learners to earn certifications for specific skills, enabling them to upskill and reskill without completing an entire course.

After pilot tests in Metro Manila and Regions 3, 4-A, 7, 10, and 11, TESDA is preparing for full-scale implementation nationwide. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana