MANILA — The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has called on the Department of Education (DepEd) to take decisive actions to address the persistent skills mismatch in the Filipino workforce and improve the country’s education system. The PCCI submitted its policy recommendations during a meeting with DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara on August 12.
According to Philippines News Agency, the recommendations focus on aligning education outcomes with industry demands to boost the competitiveness of Filipino workers. Among the proposals are the enhancement of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs, and strengthening partnerships between schools and businesses to create more on-the-job training opportunities.
The PCCI also advocated for amending the Enhanced Education Act to harmonize with higher education curricula, promoting a multi-sectoral approach to early childhood education, and developing micro-credentialing systems to certify skills acquired through various forms of learning. These recommendations were discussed during a meeting led by PCCIHRDF President Alberto Fenix Jr., with members of the Education Task Force (ETF) and other educational leaders present.
“The PCCI and the Education Task Force members stand ready to discuss further and in more detail the ETF paper and work out possible executive and legislative actions,” said Fenix.
Additionally, the PCCI emphasized the need for investment in teacher training, the integration of digital learning platforms, and the provision of adequate funding and infrastructure, particularly in underserved and rural areas, to ensure equitable access to quality education.
The PCCI believes these initiatives will help create a skilled workforce that meets the evolving needs of industries and drives long-term economic growth in the Philippines.