Education Secretary Sonny Angara encouraged the members of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) to expand cooperation with the Department of Education (DepEd) to strengthen school-to-work pathways of Filipino learners.
During the General Membership Meeting of the AmCham, Angara shared that DepEd is immediately implementing reforms according to the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to come up with a more competitive workforce by forging stronger industry partnerships and more appropriate education pathways.
“We want every graduate to have a fighting chance when they finally test the waters of the real world,” the education chief said while encouraging companies to help update the curriculum, expand work immersion opportunities, and co-create programs to respond to the needs of the industry.
“If we want a stronger education system, DepEd must work hand in hand with the private sector.”
“If we want a stronger education system, DepEd must work hand in hand with the private sector,” the education head said.
He said that while reforms are being undertaken like Strengthened Senior High School Program, higher school operations funding, less work immersion hours, integration of tech-voc elements, and modernization of textbooks and foundational learning, these will be more effective if more industries will join.
Angara mentioned the partnerships made with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and private companies have contributed in uplifting the quality of education and aligning it to work opportunities. He noted that DepEd needs more of these partnerships to be able to reach other places in the country.
“My notebook—and my team—are ready to list down every company and organization interested in partnering with us,” Angara told members of AmCham.
“An agency that actively seeks partnerships is not showing weakness; it is standing in a position of strength,” he added.
He pointed out the active role of DepEd to the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Jobs Committee through the Private Sector Jobs and Skills Corporation (PCORP), which helps in work immersion, teacher training, curriculum alignment, and nationwide job matching to facilitate school-to-work transitions.
Angara enumerated the areas where AmCham companies can directly help: developing STEM and digital skills programs, supporting teacher training, giving industry-level learning tools, joining Adopt-a-School program, and adding work immersion slots for senior high school students.
He also committed DepEd in preparing learners for a fast-paced economy because of technology, automation, and global trade. Angara listed and communicated with AmCham members, and encouraged them to be the bridge for DepEd in forming more partnerships with the private sector.
“Let us open more doors—more pathways where students can pursue what they truly aspire for in life.”
“As partners in the industry, you understand better than anyone how we can anticipate the future of the workforce,” he said. “Let us open more doors—more pathways where students can pursue what they truly aspire for in life.”
With the theme “The Philippine Labor Market Outlook 2026: Policies and Partnerships for a Competitive Workforce,” the event was attended by business leaders, multinational corporations, and industry groups aimed at strengthening the link between education and employment.
Angara said DepEd will expand its cooperation with companies and the chambers to make sure it will lead to reforms in a shorter period of time from the classrooms to good careers for every Filipino.
