More job opportunities for the Filipino workforce are promised by the ongoing work to align the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) with that of other Association of South East Asian Nation (ASEAN) countries.

During the 11th PQF National Coordinating Committee Meeting last March 29, it was agreed that actual referencing of Philippine qualifications to those of ASEAN nations Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia will start in 2018.

Prior to this, the Philippines will host the 2nd ASEAN Qualification Reference Framework (AQRF) Meeting in July 12-13, 2017.

The PQF will be cross-referenced with other qualifications framework like the ASEAN Qualification Reference Framework (AQRF).  The detailed assignment of levels will enable the ten ASEAN countries to make a proper comparison of qualifications towards the recognition of qualifications within the ASEAN region.  This will mean opportunities for continuous skills enhancement and ultimately more job opportunities for the Filipino workforce.

The PQF is a tool for the development of qualifications of Filipino skilled workers and professionals to ensure alignment of educational outcomes to job requirements.  Aside from adopting national standards and levels of outcomes of education, it aims to support the development of pathways and equivalences, and to align with international qualifications frameworks to support the mobility of our learners and workers.

The PQF was established through EO 83 in 2012 by then President Benigno S. Aquino III.  The EO also created the PQF National Coordinating Committee (NCC) composed of the Secretary of Department of Education (DepEd) as Chair, with the Secretary of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Secretary of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Chairperson of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) as members.  TESDA currently serves as the NCC Technical Secretariat.