The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has called on the Department of Education (DepEd) to prioritize initiatives that align educational outcomes with industry needs.
In a statement on Tuesday, Aug. 20, the business group said that the newly-confirmed DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara should prioritize addressing the persistent skills mismatch that undermines the competitiveness of the Filipino workforce.
To address this major concern, the PCCI suggested that Angara should improve Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs, and strengthen partnerships between schools and businesses to create more on-the-job training opportunities.
The PCCI also recommended amending the Enhanced Education Act to align it with higher education curricula, promoting a multi-sectoral approach in early childhood education, and developing micro-credentialing to certify skills acquired through various forms of learning.
Alberto Fenix Jr., PCCI Human Resource Development Foundation Inc. (HRDF) president, emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to curriculum development to ensure that the education system produces graduates with relevant and in-demand skills.
“The PCCI and the PCCI Education Task Force (ETF) members stand ready to discuss further and in more detail the ETF Paper and work out possible executive and legislative actions,” Fenix said.
The chamber emphasized the importance of investing in teacher training and incorporating digital learning platforms to keep up with global education trends.
Furthermore, they called on the government to secure sufficient funding and infrastructure for these efforts, especially in underserved and rural areas, to ensure fair access to high-quality education.
These actions are crucial, according to the PCCI, to cultivate a pool of skilled individuals who can meet the changing demands of industries and fuel the long-term economic advancement of the nation.
Distinguished members during the meeting included Dr. Bert Tuga of the ETF Philippine Normal University (PNU), Irene Isaac, former Director General of the Technical Education, Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Marlon P. Miña, Executive Director of PCCIHRDF.