With the appointment of Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma as Vice Chairperson of the Education and Workforce Development Group (EWDG), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is set to play a key role in shaping the future of education and workforce development in the country.
Under the newly formed EWDG created under Administrative Order No. 36 issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Labor Secretary Laguesma was named Vice Chairperson of the EWDG, which will serve as the central coordinating body for all matters related to education and workforce planning.
President Marcos will lead the EWDG as Chairperson, with the Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary serving as Co-Chairperson. Other members include top officials from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
The group is tasked with crafting a comprehensive 10-year National Education and Workforce Development Plan (NEWDP) aimed at aligning the country’s education system with labor market needs.
The NEWDP will guide government agencies in developing strategies to strengthen the link between education and employment, ensuring that Filipino workers are equipped with relevant skills for evolving industries. Monthly performance and activity reports will be submitted to the President and the Executive Secretary to monitor progress.
To ensure effective implementation, technical working groups may be formed as needed. The Order also encourages collaboration with local government units (LGUs), private sector partners, state universities and colleges, and other government entities.
DOLE, in partnership with other EWDG members, reaffirms its commitment to advancing inclusive, future-ready workforce development in support of the Marcos administration’s Bagong Pilipinas vision.
