Manila: The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) are backing the proposed modernization of their 32-year-old charters. This initiative follows a proposal by Senate Committee on Higher and Technical-Vocational Education Chairperson, Senator Loren Legarda, to update the existing charters, which have been in place since 1994.

According to Philippines News Agency, CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis expressed agreement with the lawmaker's direction to modernize the legal framework, aiming to advance significant education reforms. "We already had the Senate hearing, and everything has been cleared. Marami pang (There are many), not only salient points but very important provisions in the law that were strengthened," Agrupis stated during a press conference.

To expedite the process, a technical working group (TWG) has been established by Legarda. TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco 'Kiko' Benitez highlighted the TWG's role in addressing the 'blurry' definitions within the charter, which he believes need updating due to changes in the world of work and technology since the original mandate in 1994. Benitez emphasized the need to redefine low- to high-level skill sets in alignment with current technological advancements.

The TWG will also consider potential modifications to agency personnel positions to ensure responsiveness to the new lifelong learning framework and to address the expanded mandate and scope of TESDA. Benitez mentioned that they aim to complete the review within the year.