CHED supports creation of unified education data system
MOU signed with DepEd, TESDA to streamline learner tracking from basic to higher education and improve access to scholarships
The signing of the MOU marks a united effort by CHED, DepEd, and TESDA to build an interoperable education data system that supports long-term education reforms and ensures that every Filipino learner has access to quality, well-coordinated learning opportunities. (CHED / MB Visual Content Group)
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has joined forces with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to establish a harmonized and unified data system that will track learners across all levels of education in the Philippines.
CHED, in a statement, said the partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, DepEd Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, and TESDA Director General Jose Francisco Benitez last week.Seamless learner tracking through unified identifiersUnder the agreement, CHED will adopt the DepEd-issued Learner Reference Number (LRN) as the unique identifier for students in higher education institutions (HEIs).
This move ensures that learners can be consistently tracked from basic education to technical-vocational and tertiary levels, supporting data-driven education planning and policy development.
CHED will also spearhead capacity-building initiatives for HEIs to align their systems with the unified framework.
These include standardized protocols for registering and updating student data while ensuring compliance with data privacy and quality assurance standards.
Improved access to scholarships and learner transitions
The unified education data system will strengthen the implementation of Republic Act No. 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, by improving the targeting and monitoring of scholarships, subsidies, and merit-based programs.
It will also facilitate smoother transitions for learners across education pathways—from basic to higher and technical-vocational levels.
Education agencies strengthen collaboration
Agrupis emphasized that the convergence of the three education agencies will pave the way for stronger policy alignment and more efficient education delivery.
“This gathering allows us to roll up our sleeves together and talk openly about the things that matter most: making sure our education system aligns with the needs of our industries, that our policies complement rather than compete with each other, and that every learner—from basic education to tech-voc to higher education—can find a pathway that leads to opportunity,” she said.