Bent on creating a better learning-to-employment pathway for Filipinos, the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has partnered with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to launch the ‘One Education’ program to accelerate reforms.
According to education secretary Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara, the program is a unified initiative that will help learners, families, schools, training institutions, employers and partners have a clearer and more accessible way to understand how education opportunities connect across basic education, higher education, technical-vocational education and workforce development.
“One Education serves as a reminder that our learners’ aspirations are interconnected . . . When the system is more integrated, it becomes easier for every Filipino to see where they can start, progress and succeed,” Angara explained.
In support, CHED chairperson Shirley Agrupis cited that the program will make the transition from senior high school and technical-vocational education to higher education more efficient, thus echoing the need for seamless learning pathways
“Through One Education, we are ensuring that a learner’s prior academic and technical achievements—whether from senior high school or tech-voc programs—are recognized and credited by our HEIs (higher education institutions),” she pointed out.
For his part, TESDA director general Jose Francisco ‘Kiko’ Benitez emphasized how One Education recognizes the changing demands of today’s workforce.
“Whatever industry you wish to enter and whatever your background, there is a clear path toward your dream. (It) encompasses our goal of improving access to acquire new skills, earn certifications or pursue further studies. Because whether it is tech-voc, senior high or college, each offers a route to success,” Benitez noted.
Aside from the ‘One Education’ initiative, the three agencies also introduced the Education Reform Fellowship after signing a memorandum of agreement with Analytiks Inc. for Project TAHANAN, which aims to help learners receive exposure across the education and workforce development ecosystem and track their learning-to-employment pathway, respectively.