DepEd, CHED, Tesda launch One Education to accelerate education, reforms

The Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) have launched One Education, a unified branding and strategic communication platform aimed at strengthening the connections between basic education, higher education, technical-vocational education, and workforce development. The initiative was unveiled during the third Joint Education Trifocal Management Committee Meeting in Manila, signaling a coordinated effort among the three agencies to streamline educational pathways for students and workers alike. The campaign carries the tagline “Maraming Landas, Isang Sistema. Para sa Bawat Pilipino,” which translates to “Many Paths, One System. For Every Filipino.” It seeks to provide a clearer and more accessible framework for learners, their families, schools, training institutions, employers, and other stakeholders to understand how different levels of education align and support one another. The move comes in response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s call to enhance the relevance and responsiveness of the Philippine education system to meet the needs of learners, communities, and the broader economy. Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that One Education underscores the shared commitment of DepEd, CHED, and TESDA to simplify the navigation of the education system. He stated that the initiative aims to ensure that the aspirations of learners are not fragmented, and that clear pathways exist from basic education through college, technical-vocational training, employment, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning. According to Angara, a more integrated system would allow Filipinos to identify where they can begin, progress, and ultimately succeed. CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis noted that One Education facilitates smoother transitions for students entering tertiary education. She explained that the initiative ensures that academic and technical achievements from senior high school or technical-vocational programs are recognized and credited by higher education institutions. Agrupis added that this recognition prevents duplication of efforts and creates a more efficient route for students moving toward the modern workforce. TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez pointed out that the current labor market requires different skills compared to previous decades, and thus the education system must evolve accordingly. He mentioned that over the last two years, TESDA has worked on creating seamless education pathways for learners. Whether someone intends to enter any industry or has any background, he said, there is now a clear path to achieve their goals. Benitez added that One Education includes the objective of increasing access to new skills, certifications, and further studies, whether through technical-vocational, senior high, or college routes. In addition to launching One Education, the three agencies introduced the Education Reform Fellowship (ERF), a key initiative designed to attract, train, and mentor young professionals and individuals committed to advancing education and workforce development reforms. Fellows participating in the program will gain experience in areas such as policy formulation, program implementation, data analysis, stakeholder engagement, strategic communication, and inter-agency collaboration within the education and workforce development sector. The agencies also entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with Analytiks, Inc. for Project TAHANAN, a learner traceability and interoperability initiative intended to improve tracking and integration of learner records across different educational platforms. This project is expected to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of education delivery and career planning for students transitioning between different stages of learning and employment. The launch of One Education marks a significant step in unifying the country's diverse educational sectors under a common vision. With the backing of government leadership and the involvement of multiple agencies, the initiative aims to create a more cohesive and adaptable education system that meets the dynamic needs of both learners and the national economy. As the program unfolds, its impact on educational policies, student outcomes, and workforce readiness will likely be closely monitored by stakeholders across the country.