President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Republic Act 12313, known as the Lifelong Learning Development Framework (LLDF) Act, a new law aimed at promoting continuous learning opportunities for Filipinos and fostering a skilled, productive nation.

The law, signed 23 October, sets standards and guidelines for implementing lifelong learning programs across cities, municipalities, barangays and other providers. The framework defines lifelong learning as a continuous process throughout all stages of life, intended to enhance knowledge, skills, and competencies.

RA 12313 mandates initiatives that promote functional literacy, inclusive education and community-based learning, while supporting workplace education 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.

The law 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 and the Department of Trade and Industry as members.

Also, the council will oversee the implementation, review, and monitoring of the LLDF, which includes creating a national master plan to designate learning cities, municipalities, and barangays.

Among its new responsibilities, the PQF-NCC is tasked with implementing the Philippine Credit Transfer System across education levels and maintaining the Philippine Qualifications Register.

It 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.

The council is required to report annual progress to the Office of the President, Senate, and House of Representatives.

The PQF-NCC and relevant stakeholders must craft a national master plan aligned with the Philippine Development Plan within six months of the law’s effectivity. The plan will be reviewed every five years to ensure it meets evolving national development goals.

The act will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.