CHRISTIE HOPE HERNANDO-ORBISTA MEM-OUMN-1-1

AQRF Referencing Report in the Philippines

CHRISTIE HOPE HERNANDO-ORBISTA MEM-OUMN-1-1

agencies, to use the AQRF

WHAT IS AQRF?
IN THE FUTURE… to link to NQFs outside the
ASEAN Qualifications
It may be possible, if ASEAN region and to other
Reference Framework is a
there is commitment of common reference
regional common reference
responsible bodies and frameworks in the world…
framework with levels and
My takeaway on the AQRF Referencing Report in the Philippines…
corresponding descriptors.
The AQRF Referencing Report in the Philippines is actually a
referencing process that is linked to the levels on our country’s It functions as a device to

qualifications system in the AQRF in a consistent, trusted, and transparent enable comparisons of
way. This process is agreed with the relevant stakeholders and agencies qualifications across
to link between PQF levels and the AQRF levels. The AQRF really does ASEAN Member States. It
not prescribed how the process is to be undertaken but does identify 11 also addresses education
referencing criteria that must be used. The methods used in creating a link and training sectors and the
between our PQF and the AQRF varies from other countries. Our PQF
wider objective of
has 8 level qualification descriptors, and it is defined in terms of 3 domains
promoting lifelong
namely knowledge, skills, and values, application, and the degree of
learning.
independence. The PQF system has qualification type from each level
namely NCI, NCII, NCIII, NCIV, Diploma, Baccalaureate Degree, Post- The AQRF is a translation

Baccalaureate Program, and Doctoral Degree and Post-Doctoral device that aims to broaden
Programs. the understanding of
As I said earlier, the referencing process has 11 criteria, and it is national qualifications
summarized into the following: system of AMSs for people
Criterion 1 is about the structure of the Philippine Education and from other ASEAN
Training System. The Philippine education system that covers both formal
countries and from outside
and non-formal education. The lifelong learning and in linking the formal,
the ASEAN region.
non-formal, and informal education on all the learning activities that is
The Philippine
undertaken throughout life which could credited towards formal
qualifications in the formal system. Qualifications Framework

Criterion 2 is the responsibilities and legal basis of all relevant national (PQF) links to AQRF levels
bodies involved in the referencing process that are clearly determined and and it will be possible to
published by the main public authority which in our country the PQF-NCC identify all other levels to
whom responsible for the referencing process. It is emphasized in this make comparisons between
criterion the legal basis of mandate or issuances to implement the qualifications.
mandate by function and the different government agencies like DEPED,
TESDA, CHED, DOLE, PRC, CAAP, and MARINA.
Criterion 3 is the procedures for inclusion of qualifications in the PQF and there it described the mapping
of qualifications against the PQF levels, the qualifications covered by the PQF that are listed in the PhQuaR,
how qualifications are included in the PQF and how a qualification is located at a PQF level, the
considerations for inclusion, and the procedures for the inclusion of a Philippine Qualification in the PQF.
Criterion 4 is the broad structural comparison of PQF and AQRF, link between the qualifications levels in
the PQF, and the levels descriptors of the AQRF.
Criterion 5 is the basis of agreed standards of the PQF. The education standards of TVET, higher
education, standards at the interface of TVET and Higher Education, standards for education and training
providers, professional standards, and industry and occupational standards are stated in this criterion.
Criterion 6 is the national quality assurance system for education and training refers to the PQF. All the
bodies responsible for quality assurance stated their equivocal support for referencing outcome.
Criterion 7 is the process of referencing that has been devised by the PQF-NCC and has been endorsed
by the main stakeholders in the qualification system.
Criterion 8 is the involvement of people from other countries who are experienced in the field of
qualification in the referencing process and its reporting.
Criteria 9 is the comprehensive report, setting out the referencing, and the evidence supported that it
should be published by the competent national bodies and should addressed separately and in order each
of the referencing criteria.
Criteria 10 is the outcome of referencing that needs to be published by the PQF-NCC and expected to be
published immediately by the ASEAN Secretariat thereafter.
Criterion 11 is to encourage to follow the referencing process of all certification and awarding bodies to
indicate a clear reference to the appropriate AQRF level on new qualification certificates and diplomas issued.
This criterion is aimed to raise the public profile of the AQRF and its added value, showing the AQRF as a
force for cooperation and mobility of direct relevance to the citizens of ASEAN.

With these big reforms in the educational system in our country for the past years we can see a cross-
country mobility of students, workers, and businesses. The country will have greater opportunities for our
people to study or work abroad, and the same goes to the foreign students or workers to study or work in our
country. We can assure a globally competitive citizen by having the right competencies and attitudes through
excellent quality education.

Afterall, the Philippine education system is best understood in the context of this referencing report and
we can assure a quality system with this.

MEM 643- Administration and Supervision of Schools

CHRISTIE HOPE HERNANDO-ORBISTA MEM-OUMN-1-1
hopehernando27@gmail.com

DR. AMELIA BIGLETE

amybiglete2020@gmail.com