Law Summary: IRR of RA 10968

The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 10968 institutionalizes the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) to standardize and enhance education and training in the country. The PQF aims to ensure that education is aligned with the evolving needs of the workforce, thereby promoting lifelong learning and access to quality education for all citizens. This framework not only specifies the levels of qualifications but also sets standards for assessing learning outcomes in various fields of study, allowing for a structured progression in professional careers.

The IRR mandates the establishment of the PQF-National Coordinating Council (PQF-NCC), which is tasked with harmonizing education standards across different educational levels, including basic, technical-vocational, and higher education. The council is composed of representatives from various government agencies like the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), as well as industry and economic sector representatives. This collaboration aims to foster a seamless education and training system responsive to the labor market's demands.

To effectively implement the PQF, several working groups have been established under the oversight of the PQF-NCC. These groups address specific areas such as quality assurance, pathways and equivalencies, and lifelong learning initiatives. Their functions include maintaining a national database of qualifications and ensuring that training providers meet quality standards. Furthermore, the working groups are responsible for creating pathways that facilitate the transfer of credits and qualifications across different education sectors, thereby enhancing the dynamism and mobility within the education system.

Lastly, the IRR underscores the importance of continuous evaluation and updating of the PQF to adapt to shifting educational and industry trends. This adaptive approach aims to maintain the relevance and global comparability of Philippine qualifications while supporting the continuous professional development of individuals. The framework thus stands as a cornerstone for educational reform, aiming to improve the quality of education and better prepare Filipinos for a competitive global workforce.