The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has partnered with the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) to recalibrate academic leadership and push reforms in higher education institutions (HEIs). The initiative was formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed on Tuesday.
CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis emphasized the need for education leaders to become visionaries who can drive learner-centered reforms. “This is the working principle where CHED and DAP [are] coming in. Let us recalibrate the leadership inside of academic leaders. So, together with DAP, we will launch transformative initiatives,” Agrupis said.
The Leadership Development Program aims to equip university heads and senior officials with the tools and training needed to redesign curriculums, ensuring that students’ skills align with industry demands. Agrupis stressed that developing competent academic leaders is key to addressing persistent issues in the education sector.
“We must invest in the people who will implement them by equipping our education leaders with the right mindset, tools, and training. We are laying the groundwork for a higher education system that can rise above persistent problems,” she said.
One major concern is the mismatch between graduates’ skills and labor market needs. Agrupis cited data showing that 35 to 38 percent of unemployed Filipinos are college graduates. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reported that only 13 percent of 25,000 students interviewed during job fairs nationwide were hired.
“It’s so devastating, that’s why knowing this data is not enough to address the concern. Statistics may reveal the gaps, but it takes strong leadership to close them and address them,” Agrupis added.
Under the MOU, CHED and DAP will recognize the experiences of academic managers as formal credentials and roll out a five-year capability development program. The initiative will involve Boards of Regents, presidents of state universities and colleges, and senior officials to help align higher education with national priorities and global standards.