The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Jobs Committee have joined forces to launch an enhanced work immersion program for Filipino students. This collaboration aims to provide students with a more practical and industry-aligned educational experience, ultimately making them more attractive to potential employers.
The memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed between DepEd and PSAC outlines key elements of the enhanced work immersion program. These include an enhanced work immersion experience for students, curriculum alignment to current industry standards, teachers‘ training to effectively guide students, and job fairs and matching opportunities nationwide. This comprehensive approach seeks to bridge the gap between theoretical education and practical industry experience, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the workforce.
President Ferdinand „Bongbong“ Marcos Jr. witnessed the signing of the MOA at Malacañang Palace, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving the quality of education in the country. The involvement of industry leaders such as the Semiconductors and Electronics Industries in the Philippines (SEIPI), IT Business Processing Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) highlights the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in enhancing educational opportunities for students.
Ten schools from different regions in the Philippines, including one specialized in the Alternative Learning System (ALS), are set to participate in the pilot program. These schools will have the opportunity to focus on key sectors such as IT-BPM, tourism and hospitality, agriculture and entrepreneurship, and manufacturing, which are known for their high demand for skilled workers and abundant job opportunities. By offering students exposure to these industries, the program aims to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen fields.
The initiative comes at a crucial time when the government is reassessing the effectiveness of the K to 12 program in preparing students for the workforce. President Marcos Jr. has expressed concerns about the program’s ability to raise the employability of graduates in the Philippines. In response, the Education Department, under the leadership of Secretary Sonny Angara, is reviewing the curriculum for Grades 11 and 12 to ensure that it produces job-ready and responsible graduates.
Overall, the collaboration between DepEd and PSAC through the enhanced work immersion program represents a significant step towards improving the quality of education in the Philippines. By providing students with hands-on experience in key industries and aligning curriculum with industry standards, the program aims to empower students to succeed in the competitive job market. With the support of industry partners and government leadership, this initiative has the potential to make a lasting impact on the future of education and employment in the country.