Addressing the Lack of Materials for Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the Philippines
The President of the Philippine Book Development Federation, Dominador Buhain, has highlighted the scarcity of materials for Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the country. Speaking at the Philippine Book Festival, Buhain emphasized the challenges faced in developing training regulations and the need for a diverse range of learning materials to cater to the various subjects covered in TVET.
The Impact on Industry-Relevant Education
Buhain explained that the lack of materials in TVET contributes to the disconnect between the subjects taught in schools and the requirements of different industries. This situation hampers the ability of students to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge demanded by the job market. The scarcity of materials is particularly concerning given the wide range of technical areas that require abundant learning resources.
Aligning with the National Technical Education and Skills Development Plan (NTESDP)
The NTESDP 2023-2028 is a comprehensive plan that aims to enhance technical education and skills development in the Philippines. It identifies key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, creative industries, health, transportation and logistics, energy, tourism, information and communications technology, construction, and education. However, the success of this plan relies heavily on the availability of adequate learning materials for TVET.
International Assessment Scores and the Need for Improvement
Buhain also drew attention to the country’s performance in the 2022 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA). He expressed disappointment in the minimal improvement from the 2018 scores, particularly in comparison to other countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The Philippines ranked sixth to last in math and reading and third to last in science.
Unlocking Potential through Access to Learning Materials
To improve the country’s performance in international assessments like PISA, Buhain emphasized the importance of having a wide range of learning materials available in both technical vocational and non-technical vocational areas. He believes that the free flow of information, unhindered by bureaucratic and restrictive restraints, is crucial. Buhain also emphasized the need for adherence to the curriculum set by the Department of Education and other educational authorities.
Immediate Action Required
Buhain stressed the urgency of addressing the lack of materials for TVET, calling for immediate attention and concerted action. He believes that investing in education, fostering innovation, and advocating for policy reforms are essential steps toward improving the country’s ranking in international assessments. By doing so, the Philippines can unleash its full potential and achieve socio-economic transformation.
Conclusion
The scarcity of materials for Technical Vocational Education and Training in the Philippines poses significant challenges to industry-relevant education. The lack of diverse learning resources hinders the development of the necessary skills and knowledge required by different sectors. To address this issue, immediate attention and concerted action are needed to invest in education, foster innovation, and advocate for policy reforms. By doing so, the Philippines can strive to improve its ranking in international assessments and unlock the nation’s full potential for socio-economic transformation, as outlined in the NTESDP.
Source: The Manila Times
