Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara on Wednesday, Dec. 10,  called on members of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) to expand their partnerships with the Department of Education (DepEd) to help align learning with the skills needed in the workforce and in business.

Angara said DepEd is accelerating reforms to build a more competitive and job-ready workforce through stronger industry linkages and more responsive education pathways.

“We want every graduate to have a fighting chance when they finally test the waters of the real world,” he said in his speech at the AmCham’s general membership meeting in Makati City.

Also, the DepEd chief encouraged companies to help update the curriculum, expand work immersion opportunities, and co-create programs that respond to industry needs. 

“If we want a stronger education system, DepEd must work hand in hand with the private sector,” he said.

According to Angara, the ongoing reforms, such as the Strengthened Senior High School Program, higher school operations funding, longer work immersion hours, integration of tech-voc elements, and modernization of textbooks and foundational learning, will have greater impact with broader support from the private sector.

He cited existing partnerships with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and private companies as proof that collaboration helps raise education quality and align schools with labor market needs. However, he said more companies are needed to scale these efforts nationwide.

“My notebook—and my team—are ready to list down every company and organization interested in partnering with us,” Angara said.

“An agency that actively seeks partnerships is not showing weakness; it is standing in a position of strength.”

The DepEd chief underscored the agency’s active role in the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Jobs Committee through the Private Sector Jobs and Skills Corporation (PCORP), which assists in work immersion, teacher training, curriculum alignment, and nationwide job matching to ease the school-to-work transition.

DepEd outlined key areas where AmCham companies can directly contribute: developing STEM and digital skills programs, supporting teacher training, providing industry-level learning tools, joining the Adopt-a-School program, and increasing work immersion slots for senior high school students.

Angara reaffirmed DepEd’s commitment to preparing learners for an economy rapidly changing due to technology, automation, and global trade.

“As partners in the industry, you understand better than anyone how we can anticipate the future of the workforce,” he said. 

“Let us open more doors—more pathways where students can pursue what they truly aspire for in life,” he added.

With the theme “The Philippine Labor Market Outlook 2026: Policies and Partnerships for a Competitive Workforce,” the meeting gathered business leaders, multinational firms, and industry groups aiming to strengthen the link between education and employment.