DepEd secretary chairs PQF-NCC
By JESUSA F. TIU
Doongan Integrated School
Northwest District
In recognition of the important role of education and training in national development, Republic Act 10968, entitled “An Act Institutionalizing the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF), Establishing the PQF-National Coordinating Council (NCC) and appropriating funds thereof”, or the “Philippine Qualifications Framework Act” was approved on January 16, 2018.
To harmonize and promote a seamless education and training system, the said law established the Philippine Qualifications Framework-National Coordinating Council (PQF-NCC) with the Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary as the chairperson.
The PQF-NCC has the following powers and functions:
a. To harmonize qualification levels across basic, technical-vocational and higher education;
b. To align education standards and learning outcomes with the level descriptors contained in the PQF;
c. To promote the PQF and its elements, including the principles, key features, definitions or terminologies, structure, and governance arrangements, and to provide information and guidelines in the implementation of the PQF;
d. To rationalize the quality assurance mechanisms in Philippine Education;
e. To develop and recognize pathways and equivalencies;
f. To maintain the national registry of qualifications;
g. To ensure the international alignment of the PQF with the qualification frameworks of other countries or regions;
h. To create technical working groups in support to the development and implementation of the PQF;
i. To represent the country in international for a or negotiations in line with qualifications agreement or arrangements;
j. To review and update the PQF;
k. To submit to the Office of the President, the Senate of the Philippines, the House of Representatives an updated report on the progress and accomplishments in relation to the PQF; and
l. To perform such other functions that may be related to the implementation of the PQF.
In support to its role in the PQF-NCC, the DepEd creates the DepEd PQF Committee, which shall ensure a well-coordinated, collaborative, sustained, and active engagement by DepEd in PQF processes and implementation. ###
