Declaration of Policy
- The State guarantees the right to quality and accessible education at all levels.
- It institutionalizes the ladderized interface between technical-vocational education and training (TVET) and higher education.
- Objectives include creating seamless educational pathways, providing multiple entry and exit points on the educational ladder, ensuring job platforms at each exit, and allowing students/workers to earn income.
- The State supports academic freedom for institutions of higher learning and upholds standards and equity principles.
Definition of Terms
- Articulation: smooth transition between educational levels/programs without duplication of learning.
- Credit: value assigned to a course based on competencies and learning outcomes.
- Credit Transfer: conversion of credits for student mobility between institutions or modalities.
- Embedded TVET Qualification: TVET competencies integrated within a ladderized degree program.
- Equivalency: assigning academic credits to competencies demonstrated by assessments.
- Job Platform: a stage in the ladderized curriculum where learners are ready for employment.
- Ladderized Education: harmonized system allowing progression between TVET and higher education.
- Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF): national policy defining education qualification levels and standards.
- Qualification: formal certification of achieved learning outcomes.
- Recognition of Prior Learning: acknowledgment of skills or knowledge gained through experience.
Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF)
- Objectives:
- Adopt national standards for education outcomes.
- Support pathways and equivalencies for seamless transition across sectors.
- Align with international frameworks for worker mobility.
- PQF National Coordinating Committee (PQF-NCC) composition: CHED, TESDA, DepED, DOLE, PRC; chaired by DepED.
- Mandate for CHED, TESDA, DepED to implement unified PQF with mechanisms such as credit transfer, embedded qualifications, bridging programs, equivalency, ladderized curricula.
- Development includes harmonized guidelines, enhanced curriculum designs, and coordinated implementation strategies.
Priority Disciplines
- CHED, TESDA, and DepED, with industry and relevant government agencies, will identify priority disciplines for ladderized education.
- The selection considers labor market realities and aligns with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP).
- Expansion of ladderization to other disciplines is based on viability studies.
Enhancement of the Ladderized Education Program (LEP)
- CHED, TESDA, DepED, in consultation with PRC and industries, to devise systems and guidelines for efficient LEP implementation.
- Incentives may be granted to higher education institutions (HEIs) and technical-vocational schools for participation.
- Designated personnel at regional and provincial levels will oversee LEP implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
Support from Other Government Agencies
- PRC, DOLE, DA, DOST, DTI, NEDA, DBM, and other related agencies must support and provide inputs for effective ladderized education implementation.
Scholarships, Grants, and Loans
- CHED, TESDA, and DepED shall allocate budget for scholarships, grants, and loans to students and workers under the ladderized system.
- This complements existing scholarship programs.
Enabling Clause for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
- HEIs with CHED-recognized curricula may participate in ladderized education if they comply with joint CHED, TESDA, and DepED guidelines.
- HEIs must submit curricula for monitoring and compliance before offering ladderized programs.
- Failure to comply may result in administrative sanctions.
Academic Freedom
- The Act does not limit academic freedom of HEIs.
- HEIs retain the right to assess previously completed TVET programs transparently and according to their admission criteria.
- Admission to undergraduate programs requires meeting HEI standards and program requisites.
Appropriations
- Initial funding from CHED, TESDA, and DepED current budgets.
- Ongoing funding to be included in annual appropriations in the General Appropriations Act.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- CHED, TESDA, and DepED will issue rules within 60 days after the Act's effectivity for its implementation.
- Stakeholder consultation is required in the rule-making process.
Separability Clause
- If any part of the Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, other provisions remain effective if separable.
Repealing Clause
- Inconsistent laws, rules, and regulations with this Act are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or in two newspapers of general circulation.