Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the unprecedented nature of the event:

“Historic in its nature ang meeting na ito dahil, for the first time, nagsama-sama ang tatlong pangunahing ahensiya ng edukasyon sa bansa upang matiyak na ang ating learning delivery ay handang tumugon sa hamon ng mga kalamidad.”

Fresh from leading relief operations in earthquake-hit Bogo City, Cebu, Sec. Angara joined CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis, TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez, and EDCOM 2 Executive Director Karol Mark Yee to align efforts across agencies and tackle urgent concerns affecting the education sector.

Focus on Resilience and Human Development

TESDA Secretary Benitez opened the session by leading a moment of silence for disaster-affected Filipinos, stressing the importance of resilience:

“It is after all [important to be a] resilient nation, particularly when it comes to human development that we are all gathered here today.”

The plenary discussions centered on strengthening public-private collaboration, improving the employability of graduates, and ensuring that all education levels remain responsive to the needs of a fast-changing workforce.

Industry Partnerships and Career Pathways

Around 15 industry partners joined the Joint ManCom, underscoring the role of collaboration between government and the private sector in shaping future-ready graduates. Several partners shared their ongoing work with public schools, offering upskilling and career-aligned opportunities, and inquired about aligning these efforts into structured career pathways.

Key Agreements Signed

The event also paved the way for landmark education reforms. DepEd, CHED, and TESDA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on data sharing, while TESDA and DepEd formalized a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to enhance Tech-Voc education under the Senior High School program.

The agencies also reviewed pressing issues surrounding the Technical-Vocational Track, its integration with the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the Tertiary Education Subsidy, and how inclusive programs can expand access to more Filipino learners. They likewise reaffirmed their joint commitment to the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF), which harmonizes education standards nationwide.

Unified Vision for Philippine Education

CHED Chairperson Agrupis described the meeting as a milestone in Philippine education:

“This is really a milestone for our country and for our trifocalized education system. This is the time that we will be together with our team for a common goal towards quality education and address the problem and concerns on the ground.”

With the Joint ManCom, the three education agencies reaffirmed their unified vision of resilient, inclusive, and quality education that ensures Filipino learners are competitive locally and globally.

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“To our partners, thank you for your unending support that complements our goals and aspirations for the Philippine basic education. May you continue investing in the dreams of Filipino children, as they will soon be part of our workforce that will contribute to the development of our nation,” VP-Secretary Duterte said in her message during the Partners’ Recognition and Appreciation program at the Government Service Insurance System Theater in Pasay City.

VP-Sec. Duterte led the awarding of plaques to more than 170 partners composed of national embassies, non-government organizations, research institutes, and private sector organizations.

She also acknowledges the partner’s support during last year’s Brigada Eskwela Program, where they contributed to ensuring that learners will have conducive and functional schools.

“With your interventions and with the help of our volunteers, we were able to welcome back our learners in an enabling learning environment,” she added.

Moreover, VP-Sec. Duterte likewise thanked all partners who provided resources in the recent celebration of the National Teachers’ Month held in Butuan and Bohol.

“Another bayanihan is the celebration of National Teachers’ Month last year, as we came together to provide teachers with the recognition and support they deserve. Thank you for allowing our teachers to enjoy the perks that will give them time to relax and enjoy their day outside their school responsibilities through free museum or exhibit passes, store discounts, services, and others,” VP-Sec. Duterte said.

Lastly, VP-Sec. Duterte also called for partners’ continuous support in the key intervention programs for the welfare of teachers and learners.

“All of these interventions will be accompanied by a more robust delivery of appropriate guidelines and basic education services to respond to the needs of our stakeholders. We have more commitments for the teachers and learners, and we do not want to disappoint them,” she noted.

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