Philippines Launches 'One Education' to Streamline Learner Pathways

The Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) have launched a joint initiative called 'One Education,' aimed at creating more seamless pathways for learners from basic education to higher education, technical-vocational training, and employment. The initiative, unveiled during the 3rd Joint Education Trifocal Management Committee Meeting in Baler, Aurora, carries the tagline “Maraming Landas, Isang Sistema. Para sa Bawat Pilipino.” (Many Paths, One System. For Every Filipino.). It serves as the unified brand and strategic communication platform for the country’s trifocal education system. According to the three agencies, 'One Education' seeks to help learners, families, schools, training institutions, employers, and other stakeholders better understand how opportunities across DepEd, CHED, and TESDA are connected. The program supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen the country’s education system by making learning pathways more integrated and responsive to the needs of learners and the labor market. Education Secretary Sonny Angara stated that the initiative reflects the agencies’ shared responsibility to simplify education pathways. He emphasized that 'One Education' serves as a reminder that learners’ dreams are not separate and that a clearer bridge is needed from basic education to college, technical-vocational training, employment, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning. He added that a more connected system makes it easier for every Filipino to see where they can begin, move forward, and succeed. CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis said the initiative would help ensure that academic and technical achievements earned in senior high school and technical-vocational programs are recognized by higher education institutions, allowing students to transition more smoothly to college. TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez highlighted the necessity of a unified education system as workplace demands continue to evolve. He noted that today’s job demands are vastly different from the past, and thus, education must keep pace with the times. Furthermore, 'One Education' aims to improve access to skills training, certifications, and further studies, irrespective of a learner’s background. During the launch, the agencies also introduced the Education Reform Fellowship (ERF), which will recruit and mentor young professionals to help implement education and workforce development reforms. A memorandum of agreement was also signed with Analytiks Inc. for Project TAHANAN, an initiative focused on improving learner tracking and enabling secure data sharing across basic education, higher education, technical-vocational education, and workforce development sectors to support policy-making and learner services.