Manila: Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Shirley Agrupis on Monday highlighted the agency’s milestones and next steps during her first 100 days in office, advancing the commission’s ‘ACHIEVE’ framework for Philippine higher education.
According to Philippines News Agency, Agrupis, speaking at the Converge to Achieve Higher Education Summit at the Manila Hotel, emphasized that the agency is laying the groundwork for transformation to tackle long-standing challenges in the sector. Agrupis stated, “Guided by the principle that education is not a privilege but a right, we have introduced reforms, recalibrated strategies, forged partnerships, and created systems that empower students, educators, and institutions alike.”
The ACHIEVE agenda outlines seven key priorities: Advanced and Accessible Lifelong Learning; Centralized One-Nation Human Capital Development; Harmonized SDG-based Research and Innovation Agenda; Integrated Real-Time Data Collection and Analytics; Expanded and Impact-Driven Internationalization Strategies; Vitalized Policies, Internal Systems, and Governance; and Effective and Efficient Public Service. To achieve these objectives, CHED has entered into agreements, memoranda of understanding, and joint circulars with several agencies, including the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Migrant Workers, Commission on Human Rights, and Unilab Education.
In an ambush interview, Agrupis addressed the fragmented education system, citing the lack of workforce data, internationalization gaps, outdated policies, and limited digitalization as significant challenges. She pointed out the mismatch between course enrollment and labor market needs, highlighting that many programs are either oversubscribed or undersubscribed due to a lack of data-driven approaches. “We need to do a gap analysis between demand and supply. That’s why we consult with DOLE, migrant workers, and others,” she explained.
On the subject of internationalization, Agrupis stressed the need for programs that are aligned with sustainable development goals and deliver tangible returns on investment in education. The partnerships aim to strengthen the synergy between technical-vocational education and higher education, improve school-to-work transition through curriculum alignment with labor market information, enhance youth employability programs and job fairs, and support overseas Filipino workers through education and career pathways.
Furthermore, the initiatives will integrate human rights education in higher education institutions, establish Centers for Human Rights Education, build faculty and staff capacity, and promote industry collaboration, innovation, and professional development.