Philippine labor experts call for robust skills mapping and multi-sector collaboration to address the persistent issue of skills mismatches.
This was highlighted in a recent Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) webinar, featuring insights from PIDS Senior Research Fellow Dr. Connie Bayudan-Dacuycuy, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Executive Director Charlyn Justimbaste, and University of the Philippines Professor Emily Christi Cabegin.
Dacuycuy presented findings from her study titled “Inputs to the Philippine Labor Market Information System and TESDA’s Skills Anticipation and Prioritization of Skills Requirements Framework”, emphasizing the need for an advanced Labor Market Information System (LMIS).
The LMIS acts as a central database that collects, analyzes, and disseminates data on labor market trends, skills demand, and workforce needs.
According to Dacuycuy, outdated and incomplete labor market information in the Philippines is a possible root cause of skills mismatches, undermining productivity and economic competitiveness.
“A comprehensive labor market data system should provide a framework for anticipatory skills mapping, connecting current educational outputs to future labor needs and ensuring that national skill sets evolve with the economy,” she explained.
A well-functioning LMIS will enable government agencies and industries to identify skills shortages, align educational programs with labor market needs, and make informed policy decisions.
Dacuycuy reiterated the necessity of establishing a skills data foundation, starting with a comprehensive skills taxonomy aligned with the Philippine Standard Occupational Code (PSOC). This framework would facilitate the creation of standardized data that is structured and actionable.
“A strong LMIS, supported by standardized data taxonomies and sector collaboration, is important to bridge information gaps and prepare the workforce for future job demands,” Dacuycuy stated.
She concluded by calling for institutional arrangements to enhance cooperation among stakeholders, including the institutionalization of the Philippine Identification System to improve data matching for educational and employment outcomes.
TESDA’s Executive Director Ms. Charlyn Justimbaste affirmed Dacuycuy’s assertion about the importance of a strong LMIS to ensure education aligns with industry needs.
“LMIS is essential for anticipating skill requirements and ensuring our education outputs meet the evolving needs of the economy, addressing the critical skills mismatch that hinders growth,” she said.
Justimbaste highlighted the importance of implementing a regional, demand-driven approach through the National Technical Education and Skills Development Plan 2020-2028 to boost global recognition of Philippine technical and vocational education.
According to her, this eight-point agenda of TESDA will play a key role in expanding access to programs, enhancing employability, strengthening industry partnerships, and promoting workforce flexibility.
She also noted plans for TESDA to collaborate with the PSA as mentioned by Dacuycuy for consistent skills mapping and streamline public employment services.
Further insights were provided by Professor Emily Christi Cabegin from the University of the Philippines School of Labor and Industrial Relations.
“Social dialogue is crucial across all the phases of the skills needs anticipation,” she stated, underscoring the importance of collaboration for developing future occupations and educational targets.
She emphasized the necessity of aligning the skills anticipation framework with apprenticeship systems and dual training policies to translate identified skill needs into training programs effectively.
“To bridge the skills gap, we must enhance our apprenticeship and dual training systems, as these models have proven effective in aligning educational outcomes with industry needs,” she explained. Noting that the current apprenticeship system in the Philippines is underdeveloped, she advocated for improvements on this to better address the skills gaps in the labor market.
The webinar highlighted the collective efforts of researchers, educators, and policymakers to develop a responsive, well-coordinated LMIS that will enable the Philippines to cultivate a competitive and adaptable workforce.
