May 11, 2024 - The Department of Education (DepEd), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) made a significant stride towards addressing the skills gap in the labor market. They signed two Joint Memorandum Circulars (JMCs) aimed at harmonizing their policies and programs.
The first JMC, titled “Ensuring Quality-Assured Assessment for Certification of Senior High School Technical-Vocational Livelihood Track”, is a joint initiative by DepEd and TESDA. This memorandum aims to institutionalize mandatory assessment for Senior High School Technical-Vocational Livelihood (TVL) Track students. The move is expected to ensure that students graduating from the TVL track are equipped with the necessary skills and competencies that meet industry standards.
The second JMC involves a collaborative effort among DepEd, TESDA, CHED, and DOLE. This memorandum aims to embed Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) into all Senior High School (SHS) tracks. By integrating TVET into the SHS curriculum, the government hopes to provide students with more opportunities to acquire technical and vocational skills, making them more employable upon graduation.
These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing the quality of education and training in the country. By ensuring that students are equipped with the necessary skills and competencies, these agencies are not only preparing them for the world of work but also addressing the skills gap in the labor market.