The Education and Workforce Development Group (EWDG) convened its inaugural meeting today in Makati City, signaling a decisive shift toward a more integrated and industry-responsive human capital strategy for the Philippines.
Established by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., the inter-agency body aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the evolving demands of the global economy.
The meeting was led by Education Secretary Sonny Angara, who serves as the President’s Co-Chair for the EWDG. Joining him were leaders from the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and several key education and labor agencies.
A central focus of the meeting was the presentation of the Trabaho Para sa Bayan (TPB) Plan by DEPDev Undersecretary Rosemarie G. Edillon. Representing Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, Edillon outlined the government’s blueprint for:
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Strategic Workforce Planning: Aligning education outputs with high-growth sectors.
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Enhanced Information Systems: Strengthening labor market data to prevent skills mismatch.
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Inter-agency Synergy: Streamlining the efforts of various departments to ensure no Filipino worker is left behind.
The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) presented findings from its final report, highlighting the proposed National Education and Workforce Development Plan. This roadmap addresses long-standing systemic issues and advocates for a tighter loop between curriculum development and industrial requirements.
Furthermore, DOLE provided critical updates on the Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs), which serve as the frontline for job placement and labor market information at the local level.
The meeting featured a landmark ceremonial turnover of Project TAHANAN from the Department of Education (DepEd) to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). “Project TAHANAN is more than a database; it is a unified nervous system for Philippine education,” the group noted.
By connecting previously siloed data from various agencies, Project TAHANAN will allow policymakers to make evidence-based decisions, tracking a learner’s journey from basic education through to higher education or technical vocational training and into the workforce.
The EWDG represents a holistic approach to governance, bringing together the heads of the nation’s most vital human capital agencies:
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Co-Chair: Education Secretary Sonny Angara
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Vice Chair: Represented by DOLE Undersecretary Carmela I. Torres and Assistant Secretary Joel M. Gonzales
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Member Agencies: CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis, TESDA Director-General Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez, and Migrant Workers Assistant Secretary Francis Ron “Kiko” C. De Guzman.
The group concluded the session by finalizing its operational structure and setting key milestones for the remainder of 2026, ensuring that the Philippine education and labor sectors remain resilient, responsive, and globally competitive.
