THE ADVOCACY group Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) has reaffirmed its support for the adoption of microcredentialing in technical-vocational education and training, recognizing its potential to equip Filipino workers with in-demand skills and bridge the persistent job-skills mismatch in the country.

“As companies shift toward skills-based hiring, micro-credentials offer a faster and more efficient way to equip Filipinos with the specific competencies employers need. They can help Filipinos close skills gaps, advance in their careers, and find better job opportunities in today’s changing workforce,” said PBEd Executive Director Justine Raagas.

PBEd highlighted the importance of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s (TESDA) efforts in advancing microcredentialing. This system offers modular, industry-recognized certifications in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing. These stackable credentials provide a flexible pathway for workers and learners to gain job-ready competencies without requiring full-length degree programs.

TESDA introduced micro-credentials with the launch of TESDA Circular No. 077-2024 on March 14, 2025. The agency describes the initiative as a way for learners to “earn modular certifications for specific skills” and enable them to “upskill, reskill, and gain formal recognition for their competencies without necessarily completing an entire course.”

The system’s pilot run has been completed in the National Capital Region, Regions 3, 4-A, 7, 10, and 11, and is now moving toward nationwide implementation.

“We fully support TESDA’s efforts in ensuring that training programs remain responsive to labor market demands, particularly in high-growth industries,” Raagas said.

At the culmination of PBEd and Citi Foundation’s JobsNext program in Makati City on January 23, 2025, TESDA Director General Jose Francisco Benitez emphasized the urgency of upskilling the workforce to keep pace with rapid technological advancements. He noted that many skills become obsolete by mid-career, making continuous learning essential.

“New jobs have emerged, new tools have emerged, and therefore, you need to upscale and upgrade yourself,” Benitez said.

The mismatch between the skills provided by educational institutions and those required by the labor market remains a significant concern.

“Traditional degree programs often fail to equip students with specific, job-ready competencies required by industries. Micro-credentials offer a flexible way to quickly equip individuals with targeted skills, improving their employability and meeting the evolving needs of the job market,” Raagas said.

PBEd emphasized the urgency of aligning education with industry needs to ensure that graduates—especially those from the K-12 program—can advance in their careers.

Micro-credentialing and upskilling programs provide a pathway for workers to continuously build their qualifications while earning.

PBEd also explored micro-credentialing in a study titled “Examining the Microcredentialing Landscape in the Philippines,” backed by the Australian Government through A Future That Works. The findings reaffirmed the potential of micro-credentials to enhance employability and address skill gaps.

However, to unlock this potential, PBEd advocates for clearer systems, better coordination, and broader recognition across sectors, particularly the private sector.

“Our goal is to ensure that every Filipino has the chance to keep learning throughout their life while helping businesses find the skilled workers they need. We’re focused on building a workforce that’s ready for the future, equipped with the skills that matter most to today’s industries,” Raagas said.