Project News

The Department of Education (DepEd) in collaboration with the JICA Project for Supporting Senior High School (SHS) Program in Technical-Vocational High School" conducted the Industry Summit from November 7 to 9, 2016 in Metro Manila^[1]. It aimed to share the lessons learned on industry partnership and work immersion of JICA project partner schools with other STVEP schools. Participants included Chief of the Education Support Service Division or representatives from 11 DepEd Regional Offices and school heads of 255 STVEP schools.

The Industry Summit started with keynote address of Undersecretary Dina S. Ocampo followed by a presentation on DepEd Guidelines on industry partnerships by Atty. Tonisito M. C. Umali, Assistant Secretary, and introduction of JICA project by the Chief Advisor. In Session 1 "Sharing Experience by Partner School of the JICA Project", 4 pilot schools and 6 model schools presented their experience of SHS early implementation mainly focusing on quality improvement of Tech-Voc education, partnership development with industries, and appropriate career guidance for students.

On the second day, representatives of major industry including electronics, tourism, automotive, and metal were invited as speakers for Session 2. They introduced their experience to accommodate the work immersion of SHS students, their expectations of SHS and required competencies to be hired at companies. 4 representatives shared the following comments with the audience; "students need to improve their basic mathematics and reading comprehension", "students are quite timid", "communication skill is important", and "longer duration of work immersion is needed."

In Session 3 in the afternoon, representatives of associations including die and mold, hotels, resort and restaurant, chamber of commerce and industry, and carriers and equipment vendors attended panel discussion. During the session, all associations explained that longer duration of work immersion can provide students with practical skills. While a representative of construction sector emphasized the importance of National Certificate (NC), communication skill is essential in tourism sector. One of the panelists commented that passion for work of students is the most important.

Day 2 was concluded by Action Planning Workshop to develop and strengthen partnership for SHS. Participants drafted School Improvement Projects of each school based on what was shared by JICA partner schools and industry representatives.

On Day 3, Director Jocelyn DR Andaya provided DepEd's policy direction for SHS, and Session 6 "Policy Direction of Related Agencies on SHS" was organized. Representatives of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and PhilRice introduced their directions and related programs on SHS. A representative of Local School Board of Quezon City shared their good practices.

The Industry Summit was successfully conducted. It has been two years since all STVEP schools gathered in one place. Next steps are (1) to improve other STVEP schools referring good practices and lesson learnt of JICA project partner schools, (2) to disseminate the information to other schools which newly introduced Tech-Voc track, and (3) to prepare the system and environment for schools to enhance their quality of education.