Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has announced the formation of the Education and Workforce Development Group (EWDG) to tackle ongoing issues in the country's education sector, such as inadequate teacher support, fragmented programs, and policy inconsistencies.

According to Philippines News Agency, the EWDG was established through Administrative Order No. 36, which was signed by President Marcos on August 13 and publicly disclosed on Monday. The President will chair the new council, with the Education Secretary serving as co-chair and the Labor Secretary as vice-chair. The group will also include leaders from the Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Migrant Workers, and Department of Economy, Planning, and Development.

The administrative order emphasized the need for a unified approach among agencies involved in education and workforce development to address long-standing challenges and foster a comprehensive and coordinated education system in the country. This initiative follows findings from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), which identified fragmented program implementation, misaligned teacher development, and inconsistent planning as major obstacles to reform.

The EWDG is tasked with developing a 10-year National Education and Workforce Development Plan, evaluating existing inter-agency bodies, and reviewing legal and policy frameworks related to education and workforce training. Additionally, the group is required to provide monthly performance reports to the President and the Executive Secretary and may establish technical working groups to support its objectives.

Malaca±ang has stated that the creation of the EWDG is a part of the administration's wider effort to align educational reforms with labor market demands, improve teacher development, and prepare Filipino learners with the necessary skills for a competitive workforce.