The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) on Monday welcomed the signing of a joint memorandum circular (JMC) between the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), calling it a first step toward building a “working” education system that responds to industry needs.

EDCOM 2 Executive Director Karol Mark Yee said the joint agreement reflects the Commission’s recommendations to harmonize higher education and technical-vocational training in order to address persistent skills mismatches.

“Today marks a significant milestone in our journey towards a truly integrated and future-ready Philippine education system. These agreements are the culmination of intensive collaboration and strategic foresight, directly reflecting EDCOM 2’s call to build a ‘working’ education system,” Yee said.

The JMC establishes a Board for Curriculum Standards and Discipline and Sector Skills Councils for six priority industry clusters —advanced manufacturing, digital technology, healthcare, financial services, tourism, and the creative economy —which EDCOM 2 earlier identified as having high growth potential but facing significant workforce supply gaps.

Yee said the agreement was a policy breakthrough.

“This represents a foundational first step for our education sector, thanks to the leadership of [TESDA] Director General [Francisco] Benitez and [CHED] chairperson [Shirley] Agrupis,” he added. (PNA)