The Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) have committed to a unified approach to address the country’s learning crisis. This pledge followed the formal turnover of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II)’s Final Report to President Marcos on January 29.
A Roadmap for Reform
During the handover at Malacañang, education leaders agreed to implement the National Education and Workforce Development Plan (NatPlan) 2026–2035. This plan serves as a long-term roadmap designed to overhaul the Philippine education system and improve workforce preparedness.
The EDCOM II report, titled “Turning Point: A Decade of Necessary Reform,” emphasizes the need for a whole-of-government strategy to overcome fragmented policies and ensure lasting improvements that extend beyond the current administration.
Acknowledging the Challenge
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara described the EDCOM II report as an “honest and evidence-based picture” of the challenges facing the education sector. He stated, “The learning crisis is not a DepEd problem alone,” and emphasized that successful implementation of the NatPlan “will depend on how well the entire government moves together.”
Secretary Angara acknowledged existing DepEd reforms but indicated the report calls for accelerated efforts with increased focus and discipline. He highlighted the importance of “execution — staying the course, aligning budgets and incentives, and holding ourselves jointly accountable for learning outcomes.”
Coherence and Collaboration
CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis characterized the report as a “compass” for the education sector, asserting that short-term solutions are insufficient to address deeply rooted issues. She stated, “The education concerns the report identifies are not new,” but “addressing them can no longer be postponed.”
Dr. Agrupis stressed the need for “coherence across agencies,” noting that CHED’s ACHIEVE Agenda is already aligned with the NatPlan’s long-term objectives. She added, “Reform in higher education is not a project, but a responsibility.”
Preparing for the Future Workforce
TESDA Director General Kiko Benitez underscored the urgency of preparing Filipinos for future employment opportunities, calling the NatPlan launch a “critical moment for workforce development.” He stated, “We know that skills are the most valuable currency,” and affirmed TESDA’s commitment to “delivering Training to Employment for our countrymen.”
Mr. Benitez emphasized that preparing the Filipino workforce is a shared responsibility across all government agencies, stating, “It is our shared national responsibility, and the time to act is now.”
Funding and Next Steps
The three agencies are now tasked with implementing the NatPlan 2026–2035, backed by a P1.345 trillion education budget for 2026 – described as one of the largest in Philippine history. They are also committed to strengthening the Education and Workforce Development Group to facilitate joint planning, synchronized implementation, and shared accountability.
Key areas of immediate collaboration include aligning education with employment needs, harmonizing data through a unified labor market information system involving TESDA, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), and reforming staffing structures to reflect the expanded mandates of K to 12 and free higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NatPlan 2026–2035?
The NatPlan 2026–2035 is a long-term roadmap aimed at reforming the Philippine education system and strengthening workforce readiness, as outlined in the EDCOM II report.
Who is responsible for implementing the NatPlan?
The Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) are jointly responsible for implementing the NatPlan.
How much funding is allocated to support these reforms?
A historic P1.345 trillion education budget has been allocated for 2026 to support the implementation of the NatPlan.
Given this renewed commitment to a unified approach, how might the collaborative efforts of DepEd, CHED, and TESDA reshape the future of education and employment opportunities for Filipinos?
