Manila Bulletin - Shared national responsibility: DepEd, CHED, and TESDA commit to fix the Philippines’ learning crisis

The Philippines’ Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) have jointly committed to a unified strategy to address the country’s ongoing learning crisis. This pledge follows the formal handover of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) Final Report to President Marcos on January 29th.

A Unified National Plan

The heads of the three education agencies committed to implementing the National Education and Workforce Development Plan (NatPlan) 2026–2035. This long-term roadmap aims to overhaul the Philippine education system and better prepare its workforce for future demands. The EDCOM II report, titled “Turning Point: A Decade of Necessary Reform,” advocates for a “whole-of-government” approach to dismantle fragmented policies and ensure lasting improvements.

Did You Know? EDCOM II was created under Republic Act 11899 and is tasked with assessing the Philippine education sector and recommending reforms.

DepEd’s Perspective

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara described the EDCOM II report as an “honest and evidence-based picture” of the challenges facing the education sector. He emphasized that resolving the learning crisis requires a collaborative effort extending beyond DepEd’s responsibilities. According to Secretary Angara, while reforms have begun, acceleration with “stronger focus and discipline” is now crucial.

CHED’s Call for Coherence

CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis characterized the report as a “compass” for the education sector. She stressed that addressing long-standing issues requires more than temporary solutions, and that “fragmented interventions and short-term fixes will no longer suffice.” Dr. Agrupis noted that CHED’s ACHIEVE Agenda is already aligned with the NatPlan’s long-term objectives.

TESDA Focuses on Workforce Readiness

TESDA Director General Kiko Benitez highlighted the urgency of equipping Filipinos with the skills needed for future employment. He called the NatPlan launch a pivotal moment for workforce development, stating, “Skills are the most valuable currency.” Benitez also underscored that preparing the workforce is a shared national responsibility.

Expert Insight: The commitment from DepEd, CHED, and TESDA signals a recognition that systemic issues within the Philippine education system require coordinated, long-term solutions. The emphasis on a “whole-of-government” approach suggests an acknowledgement that isolated efforts are insufficient to address the scale of the learning crisis.

Funding and Next Steps

The three agencies are now responsible for implementing the NatPlan 2026–2035, backed by a historic P1.345 trillion education budget for 2026. They are also committed to strengthening the Education and Workforce Development Group to facilitate joint planning, synchronized implementation, and shared accountability. Key areas of initial collaboration include aligning education with employment needs, harmonizing data through a unified labor market information system, and reforming staffing structures.

A possible next step could involve the development of specific timelines and key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress toward the NatPlan’s goals. Analysts expect that successful implementation will depend on sustained political will and effective resource allocation across all government agencies involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the National Education and Workforce Development Plan (NatPlan)?

The NatPlan 2026–2035 is a long-term roadmap aimed at reforming the Philippine education system and strengthening workforce readiness.

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 tasked with operationalizing the NatPlan.

What is the budget allocated for education in 2026?

The education budget for 2026 is P1.345 trillion, described as one of the largest in Philippine history.

Given this renewed commitment to educational reform, what role do communities and families play in supporting student success?

Manila Bulletin – Shared national responsibility: DepEd, CHED, and TESDA commit to fix the Philippines’ learning crisis