By: Abraham Reign Magbiro
Education is one of the top priorities of the Marcos administration. It aims to improve the quality of the education system and enhance the employability of Filipinos to meet the evolving needs of the industry. Photo: The Manila Times File Photo
RA 12313, or also known as the ‘Lifelong Learning Development Framework (LLDF) Act’, which aims to promote continuous education and upskilling for Filipinos by institutionalizing a national framework that supports learning at all stages of life, was signed by President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. on Oct. 23.
The new law intends to make learning “inclusive and lifelong,” covering both formal, non-formal, and informal education systems. The framework also promotes workplace learning and the use of technology-based learning programs.
Marcos Jr. emphasized that lifelong learning is required in adapting to the fast-paced demands of global industries, stating that the framework “ensures that every Filipino remains relevant and capable in the modern world”.
“Lifelong learning shall not be confined to educational or business settings but shall also include learning within families and local communities,” the law states.
The law also expands the Philippine Qualification Framework-National Coordinating Council (PQF-NCC) by adding representatives from the Department of Trade Industry (DTI) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to align education with both employment and government sectors.
Under the said law, PQF-NCC is tasked to craft a national master plan within six months, with provisions allowing local government units (LGUs) to be designated as “learning cities” or “learning communities” to encourage ease of education accessibility at the grassroots level.
“This law institutionalizes the value of learning beyond school walls,” Marcos said. “It gives Filipinos the tools to keep growing, innovating, and contributing to the nation’s development.”
The LLDF Act reinforces the government’s commitment to building an adaptable, skilled, and educated workforce—aiming to ensure that learning remains a lifelong pursuit for every Filipino across the nation.