TESDA, CHED discuss ways of harmonizing training, diploma programs
Published Aug 7, 2019 10:21 pm
By Dhel Nazario
To discuss issues and challenges of technical vocational education training (TVET) and the higher education in the implementation of the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF), the heads of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) held a recent meeting at the CHED Head Office.
TESDA Director General, Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña
(TESDA / FILE PHOTO MANILA BULLETIN) TESDA and CHED are harnessing plans to harmonize TVET and Higher Education practice in the implementation of the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) through the Diploma Programs, Philippine Credit Transfer System, and the Philippine Qualifications Register (PhQuaR). The Philippine Qualifications Register is the national database of quality-assured qualifications authorized under the PQF, providing readily available information to employers, education and training providers and students regarding these qualifications like title, level, descriptors, and the like. New TESDA and CHED-harmonized diploma programs based on the mandated laddered structure that establishes equivalency pathways and access ramps for easier transition and progression between TVET and higher education will be added to this register. TESDA Director General, Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña, further said that he wants to ensure these plans will push through within the year and that TESDA scholars are given the opportunity to have their training credited to attain diploma courses. “Dito sa napag-usapan namin sa CHED, it’s about harmonizing the respective, related programs and then coming up with a ladderized na diploma course. So kahit na may skills training ka na and nagtatrabaho, hindi ka mawawalan ng pagkakataon na hindi na magakaroon ng degree. This is what we are trying to work out. The credits and subjects they have earned from their skills training will be accredited towards earning a diploma course," said Lapeña. Regarding the matters they discussed, TESDA and CHED, through an agreed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), are set to assemble a Joint Working Group on TVET and higher education, comprising the members each from both parties, who will primarily be in charge of the harmonization and complementarity of strategies, policies and programs, consistency and quality assurance of Training Regulations (TRs) and standards, and discussion and resolution of concerns raised by either party concerning TVET. The PQF was institutionalized through the Republic Act No. 10968 that created the PQF National Coordinating Council (NCC) composed of the Department of Education (DepEd) as Chair, with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) as members.
TESDA Director General, Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña(TESDA / FILE PHOTO MANILA BULLETIN) TESDA and CHED are harnessing plans to harmonize TVET and Higher Education practice in the implementation of the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) through the Diploma Programs, Philippine Credit Transfer System, and the Philippine Qualifications Register (PhQuaR). The Philippine Qualifications Register is the national database of quality-assured qualifications authorized under the PQF, providing readily available information to employers, education and training providers and students regarding these qualifications like title, level, descriptors, and the like. New TESDA and CHED-harmonized diploma programs based on the mandated laddered structure that establishes equivalency pathways and access ramps for easier transition and progression between TVET and higher education will be added to this register. TESDA Director General, Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña, further said that he wants to ensure these plans will push through within the year and that TESDA scholars are given the opportunity to have their training credited to attain diploma courses. “Dito sa napag-usapan namin sa CHED, it’s about harmonizing the respective, related programs and then coming up with a ladderized na diploma course. So kahit na may skills training ka na and nagtatrabaho, hindi ka mawawalan ng pagkakataon na hindi na magakaroon ng degree. This is what we are trying to work out. The credits and subjects they have earned from their skills training will be accredited towards earning a diploma course," said Lapeña. Regarding the matters they discussed, TESDA and CHED, through an agreed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), are set to assemble a Joint Working Group on TVET and higher education, comprising the members each from both parties, who will primarily be in charge of the harmonization and complementarity of strategies, policies and programs, consistency and quality assurance of Training Regulations (TRs) and standards, and discussion and resolution of concerns raised by either party concerning TVET. The PQF was institutionalized through the Republic Act No. 10968 that created the PQF National Coordinating Council (NCC) composed of the Department of Education (DepEd) as Chair, with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) as members.