President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Republic Act No. 12313, also known as the Lifelong Learning Development Framework (LLDF) Act, which seeks to promote continuous learning opportunities for Filipinos and foster an inclusive, skilled, and productive nation.

Under RA 12313, the LLDF sets standards and guidelines for implementing lifelong learning programs across cities, municipalities, barangays, and other learning providers.

The framework defines lifelong learning as a continuous process throughout all stages of life, aimed at enhancing knowledge, skills, and competencies.

The law mandates initiatives that promote functional literacy, inclusive education, and community-based learning, while supporting workplace learning in collaboration with industries and stakeholders. It also encourages the use of modern learning technologies, maintains learning quality, and fosters a culture of continuous education.

RA 12313 also broadens the mandate of the Philippine Qualifications Framework–National Coordinating Council (PQF-NCC) by adding the secretaries of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as members.

The council will oversee the implementation, review, and monitoring of the LLDF, including a national master plan to designate learning cities, municipalities, and barangays.

Among its responsibilities, the PQF-NCC will implement the Philippine Credit Transfer System (PCTS) across education levels, maintain the Philippine Qualifications Register (PhQuaR), and report annual progress to the Office of the President, Senate, and House of Representatives.

The council will also integrate provisions from the Public Employment Service Office Act to support smoother transitions between education and employment and recommend criteria to recognize local government initiatives under the Seal of Good Local Governance Act.

Within six months of the law’s effectivity, the PQF-NCC and relevant stakeholders are required to craft a national master plan aligned with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP), which will be reviewed every five years to ensure it meets evolving national development goals.

President Marcos signed the law on October 23. It will take effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.