Educational Agencies 

1. Department of Education (DepEd)

Main Function: Manages basic education—Kindergarten to Grade 12—in both public and private schools.
Legal Basis: Republic Act 9155 (Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001)

Key Responsibilities:

• Designs and implements the K to 12 curriculum.
  
  

• Sets national standards for teaching, learning, and assessment.
  
  

• Provides teacher training, learning materials, and school facilities.
  
  

• Manages the Alternative Learning System (ALS) a parallel, non-formal learning program for out-of-school youth and adult learners.
  
  

Structure: Organized into the Central Office, Regional Offices, Schools Division Offices, and individual public schools.

Image source: depedph.com, & www.deped.gov.ph 

2. Commission on Higher Education (CHED)

Main Function: Regulates colleges and universities, both public and private.
Legal Basis: Republic Act 7722 (Higher Education Act of 1994)

Key Responsibilities:

• Approves, monitors, and evaluates academic programs in higher education institutions (HEIs).
  
  

• Promotes research, innovation, and international competitiveness in the higher education sector.
  
  

• Provides scholarships, grants, and support for faculty development.
  
  

• Ensures quality assurance through accreditation and evaluation of HEIs.
  
  

Special Role: Oversees State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and protects academic freedom and institutional autonomy.

Image source: www.rappler.com, & owwamember.com

3. Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)

Main Function: Oversees technical-vocational education and training (TVET) in the country.
Legal Basis: Republic Act 7796 (TESDA Act of 1994)

Key Responsibilities:

• Develops competency-based training programs aligned with industry needs.
  
  

• Issues National Certificates (NC) and Certificates of Competency (COC) based on skills assessments.
  
  

• Works with employers and industries to ensure training is relevant and job-ready.
  
  

• Supports skills development for out-of-school youth, unemployed individuals, and workers.
  
  

Notable Programs:

• TWSP (Training for Work Scholarship Program)
  
  

• STEP (Special Training for Employment Program)
  
  

• Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (for the TVET sector)

Image source: www.stdominiccollege.edu.ph, & manilastandard.net

4. Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)

Main Function: Regulates and monitors licensed professions in the Philippines.
Legal Basis: Presidential Decree No. 223, amended by Republic Act 8981

Key Responsibilities:

• Conducts licensure exams for over 40 professions (e.g., teachers, engineers, nurses).
  
  

• Enforces codes of ethics and handles disciplinary actions for professional misconduct.
  
  

• Promotes Continuing Professional Development (CPD) through approved seminars and trainings.
  
  

• Collaborates with schools to ensure programs meet licensure requirements.

Image source: medpath.ph, & lumina.com.ph

5. Local School Boards (LSBs)

Main Function: Support basic education at the local level through planning and budgeting.
Composition: Headed by the mayor or governor, includes the local DepEd supervisor, PTA reps, local treasurer, and other community leaders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Approve and manage the Special Education Fund (SEF) for school operations and improvement.
  
  

• Fund infrastructure projects, school supplies, and extracurricular activities.
  
  

• Promote community involvement and ensure schools meet local educational needs.
  
  

• Serve as a bridge between national DepEd policies and local implementation.

Image source: truthineducation.org