Latest news with #CHED
GMA Network
a day ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Gatchalian: Three-Year College Education Act aims to cut parents' expenses
The proposed measure to shorten college to three years is a move to help parents lessen their children's education expenses, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said Sunday. 'Hindi natin ito ginawa para magtipid ang gobyerno. Ginawa natin ito para makapagtipid ang mga magulang,' Gatchalian explained to Super Radyo dzBB. (We're not proposing it so that the government could save money, but to ease the parents' education expenses for their children.) He noted that these expenses include travel fare, dormitory rent, and costs for projects and field trips. The senator said some courses from previous years are being studied again in college. 'Imbis na kukunin lang ulit yung kinuha nung elementarya, PE is an example na binabayaran ng magulang ng four semesters, ibuhos niya na lang ang oras niya sa concentration,' Gatchalian said. (Rather than retaking subjects already covered in elementary, such as physical education, which parents pay for four semesters, students could instead spend that time focusing on other courses.) Among Gatchalian's priority bills in the 20th Congress is the Three-Year College Education Act, which aims to enable the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to shorten degree programs to no more than three academic years. The proposed measure provides that all general education courses shall be integrated and completed at the senior high school level and seeks to ensure students' readiness to go to college and provide them more time for internships and advanced specialization. —RF, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
3 days ago
- GMA Network
BJMP: 7 PDLs earn college degrees behind bars, 35 currently enrolled
Seven persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) have earned college degrees while in detention, and 35 more are currently enrolled in higher education programs—part of a sweeping initiative by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to rehabilitate inmates through education, legal aid, and improved jail conditions. Speaking at the Bagong Pilipinas public briefing, BJMP spokesperson Jail Superintendent Jayrex Bustinera said the agency is ramping up partnerships with educational and justice institutions to equip PDLs for reintegration into society and reduce repeat offenses. 'It boosts the morale, and improves the rehabilitation of the PDLs para kapag sila ay lumaya, hindi na sila mag-commit ng crime upon release,' he said. (It boosts morale and improves rehabilitation so that when they are released, they're less likely to reoffend.) Through collaboration with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), the BJMP has made entrepreneurship courses accessible behind bars. 'May 35 presently enrolled behind bars, at sila ang mga naka-enroll sa entrepreneurship courses. Ito ang majority dito sa PUP, pakikipag-ugnayan ng ating Manila City Jail," the BJMP official said. (There are 35 PDLs enrolled in college, mostly in entrepreneurship courses through PUP in coordination with Manila City Jail.) Bustinera also cited support from the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), which provide Alternative Learning System (ALS) education and vocational certifications to PDLs. 'Sa CHED, nakapagtapos tayo ng 7 PDL ng college at ongoing 30 plus na enrolled in college education.' (Through CHED, seven PDLs have graduated, and over 30 more are currently enrolled.) To support this learning, the BJMP has begun improving digital infrastructure for online and hybrid classes. 80,000 inmates released, congestion drops 296% Over the past year, more than 80,000 PDLs have been released, contributing to a dramatic 296% drop in jail congestion nationwide. 'Meron po tayong humigit 80,000 na PDL na pinalaya natin through our paralegal services. Ito po yung mga jail officers natin na nakikipag-ugnayan sa ating mga korte, sa kanilang mga abogado para mapabilis ang paglilitis ng kanilang kaso,' Bustinera said. (We released over 80,000 PDLs through paralegal services, with officers coordinating with courts and lawyers to speed up trials.) 'Bumaba ho ng 296% ang ating congestion rate. Matatandaan, galing po ito sa 314–334% last year hanggang 600% back in 2018.' (Our congestion rate dropped 296%. It was 314–334% last year and reached 600% in 2018.) The BJMP worked closely with the Supreme Court, Public Attorney's Office (PAO), Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), and law schools under Justice Zone programs to fast-track the release of qualified or overstaying detainees. 'Ito po yung pakikipag-ugnayan rin sa ating mga korte para mabigyan sila ng hearing… at mabigyan ng pagkakataon ng other modes of release katulad ng recognizance, ng bail.' (This includes coordination with courts to ensure hearings and explore other release options like recognizance and bail.) Bustinera proudly reported that BJMP now has zero overstaying PDLs under its custody. 'Wala po tayong overstaying na PDL. Lahat po na may sentensya di na po natin pinapatagal. Kung the moment na release na sila dapat lumaya na sila,' he noted. (We have no overstaying PDLs. Once a detainee has a release order, they are freed immediately.) Jail construction helps ease overcrowding The BJMP's decongestion drive is reinforced by ongoing infrastructure expansion, especially in highly congested areas. Out of 484 jail facilities nationwide, 142 are newly built, while over 40 more are under construction. 'So ito po primarily din bukod sa paralegal efforts… ito yung isang major contributor din ang pag-decline ng ating siksikan sa loob ng ating piitan,' he added. (Aside from legal aid, facility expansion is a major factor in reducing jail overcrowding.) —LDF, GMA Integrated News
Coin Geek
5 days ago
- Business
- Coin Geek
PSAC highlights education and workforce priorities in meeting with the President
Homepage > News > Business > PSAC highlights education and workforce priorities in meeting with the President Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) – Jobs and Education Sector recently met with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to present a unified set of recommendations aimed at building a future-ready Filipino workforce. The Council emphasized the urgency of aligning education, training, and regulatory reforms with the rapidly evolving demands of the global economy, particularly in light of accelerating technological shifts driven by the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence. Private Sector Advisory Council – Jobs and Education Sector meets with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and presents key recommendations on workforce development, including the immediate rollout of the National AI Upskilling Roadmap. (Photo from Noel B. Pabalate / PPA Pool) Central to PSAC's proposals is the National AI Upskilling Roadmap, a flagship initiative designed to equip every Filipino with the awareness, skills, and confidence to live and work in an AI-powered world. PSAC called for its immediate rollout with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Analytics & AI Association of the Philippines (AAP) proposed as co-leads. The roadmap emphasizes inclusive access, from digital literacy for the general public to advanced AI training for professionals and would be a key component of the National AI Strategy developed and led by the Department of Science and Technology. It would also be integrated into the Education Commission 2 (EDCOM 2)'s National Education and Workforce Development Plan (NatPlan). 'Our goal is simple—create real opportunities for Filipinos to thrive in a fast-changing world,' said Sabin Aboitiz, PSAC Strategic Lead Convenor and Aboitiz Group President and CEO. 'Through stronger collaboration between the private sector and government, we can turn our shared vision into action.' The Council also recommended that the President issue an Executive Order to establish a Cabinet Cluster for Education consisting of the Department of Education (DepEd), CHED, and TESDA in order to ensure close coordination amongst the education agencies in their implementation of EDCOM 2's reform recommendations, particularly the NatPlan. This is aligned with the concurrent resolution that the Senate and the House of Representatives jointly passed on June 11, 2025. To support the country's growing industrial sectors, PSAC also advocated for a 'One-Stop Shop' where the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and all concerned agencies can address regulatory bottlenecks and improve the ease of doing business in high-potential industries like semiconductors, electronics, and smart manufacturing. The Council also provided updates to DepEd and Private Sector Jobs and Skills Corporation (PCORP) Senior High School (SHS) enhanced work immersion mini pilot program, reflecting current work environments and providing age-appropriate, practical experiences. Following a successful mini pilot with private sector partners, and a 96% completion rate, a full pilot is being launched in SY 2025-2026. PSAC also showcased its ongoing, high-impact programs already transforming the workforce landscape. The SM J.O.B.S. (Job Opportunities Building Skills) initiative, in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), continues to create immediate employment opportunities, reaching over 32,000 job seekers and hiring almost 5,000 on the spot in 48 simultaneous job fairs nationwide on Labor Day and Independence Day. 'The AI tsunami is no longer coming — it is already here. And in a country where millions risk being left behind by automation, misinformation, and digital exclusion, the National AI Upskilling Roadmap is an urgent necessity,' said Fred Ayala, PSAC Education and Jobs Committee Co-Lead. 'This is about empowering every Filipino, regardless of age or background, with the skills and confidence to survive, thrive, and lead in an AI-driven world. We cannot afford to wait. The time to act, with the leadership of the government and the active participation of the private sector, is now,' Ayala added. The Digital Leadership Training Program for civil servants is also being scaled to reach 50,000 learners by 2027, preparing government leaders to thrive in a digital-first environment, with training to be provided by the Civil Service Institute, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and private sector higher education institutions Asia Pacific College and Mapua University. About Private Sector Advisory Council The Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) was established by President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. to foster stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors. Comprised of business leaders and experts across six key areas—Agriculture, Infrastructure, Digital Infrastructure, Education & Jobs, Healthcare, and Tourism—PSAC plays a vital role in driving economic growth. The council's private sector executives are strategically convened by Sabin M. Aboitiz, President and CEO of the Aboitiz Group, ensuring strong leadership and effective engagement. PSAC supports the government's commitment to transforming the Philippine economy by advancing infrastructure development, creating jobs, attracting investments, promoting digitalization, enhancing agricultural productivity, supporting MSMEs, and boosting tourism. It also champions education reforms and upskilling initiatives to equip Filipinos with the knowledge and skills needed for a globally competitive workforce. Through these efforts, PSAC aims to build a more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive business environment. The Council continuously provides policy recommendations to the government, regularly reporting to the President to offer insights, track progress, and refine strategies based on real-time developments.
Global News
30-06-2025
- General
- Global News
July 5
See more sharing options Send this page to someone via email Share this item on Twitter Share this item via WhatsApp Share this item on Facebook Harmony at Rutherford, a great alternative to traditional retirement homes, is dedicated to providing elevated senior living. Join 880 CHED's Talk To The Experts this Saturday, as Daryl Hooke will be joined by guests from Harmony at Rutherford. They'll be talking about the upcoming Open House at Harmony at Rutherford on Saturday, June 7th – where you can tour the last few remaining vacant suites AND enjoy a complimentary refreshments! Preview now before the show by visiting
Filipino Times
18-06-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
Enrollment ongoing: Spade Institute of Management Online offers online college degrees, K-12 program for Middle East-based Filipinos
Spade Institute of Management Online has officially opened enrollment for its fast-track degree program and K-12 online classes, accepting new students until July 3. A pioneer in delivering the Commission on Higher Education's (CHED) Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) in the Middle East, Spade Institute provides qualified overseas Filipinos with the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree in as little as seven months. From enrollment to coursework, Spade uses a fully online system tailored for working professionals who have valuable experience but have not yet completed a college degree. The institute is accredited by the European Center for Accreditation (ECA) in France, making its certifications valid in over 100 countries, and ensures that all professional certifications required by CHED are provided. The ETEEAP program is open to Filipino high school graduates who are at least 23 years old and have a minimum of five years of work experience. Alongside the fast-track education program, families can also enroll their children in Spade Victorious International Academy, a DepEd-recognized partner offering a complete K-12 curriculum delivered fully online. Now on its 14th batch for the ETEEAP, Spade Institute continues to make quality education affordable, with tuition starting at AED 500 per month. Students have the option to celebrate their graduation either in the Philippines or in the UAE, joining a growing network of successful Filipino graduates across the region. Enrollment is open until July 3, and interested applicants are encouraged to register early to secure their slots and complete the entire process online. For inquiries and enrollment assistance, students may reach out through email at [email protected] or call +971 55 460 3200. You may also visit its official website,
