President Marcos Launches Education and Workforce Development Group
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recently established the Education and Workforce Development Group to tackle persistent issues in the education sector and create a more cohesive school system nationwide. This new initiative aims to strengthen the country’s educational framework while aligning it closely with workforce demands.
Signed into effect on August 13 by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Administrative Order No. 36 formalizes the creation of the Education and Workforce Development Group. The President himself will chair the group, with the education secretary serving as co-chairperson and the labor and employment secretary as vice chairperson, local officials reported.
Key Members and Mandate of the Group
The Education and Workforce Development Group will also include the chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education, the secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers, the secretary of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, and the director general of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, community members noted.
According to the order, the group will act as the central coordinating body for all education and workforce development matters within the country. Its primary responsibility is to create a comprehensive 10-year National Education and Workforce Development Plan. This plan will guide government agencies in crafting and executing strategies that respond to the rapid changes in the global economy and labor market.
Streamlining Agencies and Enhancing Coordination
Officials reported that the Education and Workforce Development Group will also review existing interagency bodies related to education and workforce issues. They will propose ways to streamline and rationalize these entities for better efficiency and impact. Furthermore, the group will oversee the implementation of relevant government programs, activities, and projects aimed at strengthening education and workforce development.
To support its work, the group may form technical working groups tasked with providing expert assistance and carrying out functions as directed by the President or Executive Secretary.
Government and Private Sector Cooperation
The administrative order directs all concerned national government agencies to fully support and cooperate with the Education and Workforce Development Group. In addition, local government units and the private sector are encouraged to lend their support to ensure the effective execution of the group’s initiatives, sources said.
Funding for the group’s programs will come from the current appropriations of its member agencies, along with other available sources identified by the Department of Budget and Management. These allocations will adhere to existing budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws and regulations.
Repealing Conflicting Policies
All previous orders, rules, regulations, and other issuances that conflict with this new administrative order have been repealed or amended accordingly. This move aims to remove bureaucratic obstacles and foster a more unified approach to education and workforce development nationwide.
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