The Department of Education (DepEd) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) reaffirmed their commitments for collaboration during the inaugural joint management committee meeting at L’Fisher Hotel here Tuesday.

Led by Education Secretary Sonny Angara and TESDA Director-General Jose Franciso Benitez, the meeting seeks to “ensure closer collaboration and coherence” on free national certification assessments for Senior High School-Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (SHS-TVL) track students, strengthening technical professional track and the integration of enterprise-based practices in basic education.

“A historic first for Philippine education. This is just the beginning — big things ahead. Together, we will shape a brighter future for our learners,” Benitez said in a statement.

According to the DepEd, “participation in the free NC assessment program has significantly increased, allowing more SHS-TVL learners to validate their skills and enhance their employability.”

Data showed that as of Feb. 28, a total 54,694 out of 62,578 learners have received their certifications, indicating “a stronger push toward competency-based qualifications.”

Angara visited on Monday some schools in La Carlota City, which is among the local government units affected by the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Occidental.

He met with teachers and learners in Yubo Elementary School, situated nine kilometers from the foot of the volcano, and in La Carlota North Elementary School, which serves as an evacuation center for the displaced families.

“The dedication, resilience and concern of our teachers and DepEd personnel in ensuring the continuity of education despite the dangers and challenges posed by the volcanic eruption are immeasurable,” Angara said.

In Bago City, Angara visited the Ramon Torres Malingin Farm School in Barangay Malingin, which he commended for its best practices that can be replicated in other schools.

“They have the land and they operate like a farm even if they are a school. (This is a) very viable lesson especially for our senior high school students because we want to teach our kids how to be entrepreneurs, and to learn accounting and business skills,” he said. (PNA)