Marcos OKs creation of Education and Workforce Development Group

(Inquirer file photo)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued an administrative order establishing the Education and Workforce Development Group (EWDG) to address problems in the education sector and build a stronger, more integrated school system for the country.

Under Administrative Order No. 36, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on August 13, the EWDG shall be chaired by the President, with the education secretary as co-chairperson and the labor and employment secretary as vice chairperson.

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The EWDG members, meanwhile, shall be comprised of the chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education, the secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers, the secretary of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, and director general of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

“The EWDG shall serve as the central coordinating body on all matters related to education and workforce development in the country,” the order read.

The group will formulate a 10-year National Education and Workforce Development Plan to guide government agencies in “formulating and implementing strategies to align the country’s education and workforce systems with the rapidly evolving demands of the global economy.”

The EWDG is also tasked to study and evaluate existing interagency bodies related to education and workforce development, propose mechanisms to streamline and rationalize their functions, and oversee the implementation of government programs, activities, and projects in these areas.

It may also create technical working groups to provide assistance and perform other functions as directed by the President or the Executive Secretary.

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“All concerned national government agencies are hereby directed, and all local government units (LGUs) and the private sector are hereby encouraged, to render full support to and cooperation with the EWDG to ensure the effective implementation of this Order,” it also read.

“The funding requirements for the implementation of this Order shall be charged against the current and available appropriations of the member-agencies of the EWDG and such other available funding sources as may be identified by the Department of Budget and Management, subject to pertinent budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws, rules, and regulations,” it continued.

All orders, rules, regulations, and other issuances inconsistent with the order were repealed or modified accordingly. /gsg