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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos forms inter-agency body to align education and workforce development

Marcos forms inter-agency body to align education and workforce development

Published Aug 18, 2025 05:50 pm

At A Glance

  • The order was issued following the release of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) report, which highlighted fragmented implementation of education programs, inconsistent policy direction, and weak links between education and employment strategies.
President Marcos has created a new inter-agency body to coordinate national efforts in education and workforce development amid persistent concerns over fragmented policies and inadequate support for teachers.
File photos
File photos
Under Administrative Order No. 36 signed on Aug. 13, the President established the Education and Workforce Development Group (EWDG) as the central coordinating mechanism for aligning education initiatives with labor market needs and addressing what the order described as “long-standing concerns in the education sector.”
“It is necessary to establish an effective coordinating mechanism among agencies involved in education and workforce development,” the order stated, citing the need to foster a “complete, adequate, and integrated education system in the country.”
The order was issued following the release of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) report, which highlighted fragmented implementation of education programs, inconsistent policy direction, and weak links between education and employment strategies.
The EWDG, which will be chaired by the President, is mandated to formulate a 10-year National Education and Workforce Development Plan (NEWDP). It shall also coordinate and harmonize policies, programs, and projects of government agencies relating to education and workforce development.
The group is also tasked to evaluate existing inter-agency bodies involved in education and employment policy, and recommend their rationalization or restructuring, if necessary, and conduct periodic assessments of the country’s legal and policy framework to ensure alignment with national development goals.
The AO also directs the EWDG to provide policy recommendations to strengthen teacher training, curriculum development, skills upgrading, and lifelong learning programs. It shall also facilitate partnerships with industry, private sector organizations, and international institutions to support workforce development.
Members of the EWDG include the Education Secretary and the Labor Secretary as co-chairperson and vice-chairperson, respectively.
Other members are the heads of 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 order also directs the group to submit monthly performance reports to the President and the Executive Secretary, and authorizes the creation of technical working groups to support its initiatives.

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President Marcos Bongbong Marcos Education Administrative Order
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