Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) has called for the immediate convening of the Cabinet cluster on education to synchronize policies and tackle the persistent challenges in the country’s education system.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved in August last year, the formation of the Cabinet cluster to provide stronger oversight and ensure better collaboration among education agencies.
PBEd stressed the urgent need for the cluster to take action as learners continue to struggle in a fragmented system that fails to prepare them for the workforce.
“Education agencies must be on the same page to foster a seamless transition—from school to work—for our students. Without coordination, we leave learners stranded in a maze of missed opportunities, blocking their path to success,” PBEd executive director Justine Raagas said.
“We look forward to the establishment of a coordination mechanism for education. Addressing the learning crisis is an urgent priority that should not be sidelined by other national events such as elections or impeachment,” she said.
The Second Congressional Commission on Education, in its Year 2 report, underscored how the lack of synergy among the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has led to misaligned policies and disconnected targets.
This lack of coordination weakens the country’s ability to equip students with the skills required for gainful employment.
Marcos recently expressed support for the development of the National Education and Workforce Development Plan (NatPlan), a comprehensive roadmap to bridge the gap between education and industry.
Set to be presented to the president in May 2025, the NatPlan will assess workforce development needs in priority sectors and serve as a blueprint for aligning educational programs with labor market demands.
By unifying efforts across DepEd, CHED, TESDA, and the Department of Science and Technology, NatPlan will drive strategic investments in education, training, and research—ensuring that Filipino students are not just educated but truly job-ready.
“Through clear plans and greater coordination, we can bridge the gap between education and employment. This will make sure that students are trained for jobs that are in demand and—equally important—help industries gain access to a skilled and capable workforce,” Raagas said.