THE MARCOS government’s advisors from the business community asked the Education department on Wednesday to work with the private sector on updating the curriculum for learners and designing training programs for them.
At the same time, the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) expressed support for the Department of Education’s (DepEd) plan to address learning gaps through a four-side “holistic” approach.
PSAC met with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio, and other government officials in December to discuss plans for the country’s workforce.
The group “recommended identifying specific skills for long-term competitiveness and revamping basic and higher education and workforce development to drive productivity and encourage entrepreneurship,” it said in a Wednesday press release.
“These specific skills identified during the Dec. 9 meeting were English proficiency, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) related skills, and digital readiness.”
The PSAC also recommended “further integration” among DepEd, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
They also asked these agencies to “work with the private sector to set standards, update curricula, and design training programs that match with the real skill needs of priority sectors.”
The four-point agenda of DepEd aims to make the curriculum relevant to produce job-ready and responsible citizens; accelerate the delivery of basic education services and provision of facilities; promote learner well-being, inclusive education, and a positive learning environment; and enhance support to teachers.
Jose Ma. Concepcion, leader of PSAC’s group focusing on job generation and RFM Corporation president and chief executive officer, expressed full support to DepEd’s agenda.
“PSAC is committed to work with the government and other partners to help achieve the goals DepEd has set out and to contribute to the development of a well-educated and skilled workforce.” — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza