IN A HISTORIC  move to address decades of fragmented education data, the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority have signed an agreement to establish a unified and interoperable data system that will enable seamless tracking of Filipino learners across all education levels.

The agreement was formalized during the first-ever Joint Management Committee Meeting of the three agencies, with DepEd Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis, and TESDA Director General Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez as signatories.

This initiative responds to the long-standing challenge of disjointed information systems that hindered evidence-based policymaking.

In its Year One Report, the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) flagged the fragmented delivery of services as a root cause of “miseducation,” citing the absence of a comprehensive mechanism to track learners from kindergarten to the workforce.

“For too long, our view of a student’s journey has been fragmented. We are finally seeing the complete picture—from their first day in kindergarten to their entry into the workforce,” Angara said.

“This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about ensuring every Filipino has a genuine opportunity to succeed. This fulfills a core recommendation of EDCOM 2, turning a critical diagnosis into decisive action,” he added.

Benitez described the system as a “game-changer,” highlighting its role in aligning education with employment.

“By understanding a learner’s background, we can better guide them into technical-vocational tracks that lead directly to in-demand jobs. This unified system will be our compass for upskilling and reskilling the Filipino workforce,” he said.

Agrupis emphasized its impact on higher education.

“This unified data system provides us with the clarity needed to refine scholarships, improve enrolment projections for SUCs, and ensure our degree programs remain relevant and high-quality,” she said.

The agencies agreed to adopt DepEd’s Learner Reference Number as the unique identifier for students, with CHED and TESDA gradually integrating its use across their systems.

The MOU also requires coordination with DICT, DOLE, DSWD, and PSA to align the data system with broader national development goals—such as supporting out-of-school youth, Alternative Learning System completers, and beneficiaries of programs like 4Ps and the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program.

The phased rollout will begin with planning and data consolidation, leading to a pilot implementation by 2026 and full nationwide adoption by 2027, supported by the Education Center for AI Research.