Cocopea Ph

COCOPEA JOINS VARIOUS STAKEHOLDERS TO ASSESS CHED PHESDP FRAMEWORK 2024-2034

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) called for a Consultative Meeting with Higher Education Institutions (HEI) Associations to present and elicit suggestions, amendments and comments on the Philippine Higher Education Sectoral Development Plan (PHESDP) 2024-2034 at the CHED Central Office Auditorium.

Atty. Cinderella Filipina S. Benitez-Jaro, Executive Director IV, welcomed the participants from various HEI Associations, including representatives from the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA), namely: Atty. John R. Jacome, Managing Director; Ms. Joyce Samaniego, PACU Executive Director; Mr. Benhur Ong, CEAP Representative; and Atty. Maya Jajalla, PACU Legal Counsel. The Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) and the Association of Local Colleges and Universities (ALCU) also joined the discussions.

The highlight of the gathering was the presentation of the PHESDP Framework delivered by CHED Commissioner Dr. Ethel Agnes P. Valenzuela. Commissioner Valenzuela explained that the cornerstone of the Philippine HESDP 2024-2034 is achieving the six long-term outcomes through the five strategic directions.

The six long-term outcomes are as follows: 1) Close to universal access to, and success in, higher education of priority equity group; 2) Globally competitive higher education institutions; 3) Highly employable graduates; 4) Highly qualified and competitive faculty; 5) Philippines as a lifelong learning destination of choice; and 6) Sustainable, well-financed higher education sector.

To achieve these outcomes, the PHESDP identified five key strategies, namely, to: 1) Strengthen HEIs so that they become globally competitive; 2) Develop future-proof curricula and faculty to produce globally competitive graduates and faculty; 3) Transform Teacher Education Program to improve the quality of teachers in basic education; 4) Establish the next-generation knowledge and transnational education hubs to serve as the country’s flagship internationalization program; and 5) Adopt innovative higher education financing schemes to unburden the national government of the future problem of funding the higher education sector.

During the open forum, COCOPEA shared to the group that CHED has to be explicitly inclusive and responsive not just for SUCs/LUCs but also for Private Higher Educational Institutions (PHEIs). CHED has to exercise healthy governance, i.e., only reasonable government regulation and supervision over PHEIs, not stringent control. Finally, COCOPEA reiterated its ardent agenda of advocating, advancing, and operationalizing the principle of public-private complementarity and partnership.

COCOPEA ATTENDS SERIES OF PUBLIC HEARINGS ON HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 1805 URGING THE DEPED TO SUSPEND REGULAR ACADEMIC CALENDAR FOR LEARNING RECOVERY PROGRAM

The Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations of the Philippines (COCOPEA) participated in a series of public hearings initiated by the Committee on Basic Education and Culture (CBEC), chaired by the Honorable Roman T. Romulo, at the House of Representatives, Quezon City, to tackle House Resolution No. 1805.

HR 1805 seeks to urge the Department of Education to suspend the regular academic program for eight to twelve weeks to implement an effective learning recovery program that ensures learners attain functional literacy and numeracy.

COCOPEA representatives attended the hearings, namely: Fr. Albert N. Delvo, Chairman and CEAP President; Atty. John R. Jacome, Managing Director; and Atty. Karmina Christine Manaog, Legal Counsel. COCOPEA recognized the initiative and effort of the CBEC to address learning gaps and ensure the required academic standards of the students. With the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results, there is indeed a critical need to attend to the problem immediately.

However, remedial teaching should be targeted and differentiated according to varying learning needs of struggling learners. Thus, COCOPEA requested that private schools be given latitude and discretion to implement their own remediation program in order to really help out the students attain functional literacy and numeracy. It conveyed to the Committee to allow private schools to have their own guidelines on how to implement an effective learning recovery program simply because the parameters and the environment are different. A “one-size-fits-all policy” is not appropriate in this context because clearly the situation, academic performance and resources of private educational institutions are very different.

NEWS RELEASE: COCOPEA Endorses Dr. Karol Mark Yee as Special Assistant to the President for Education

COCOPEA CONTRIBUTES TO THE DRAFTING OF THE REVISED CHED GUIDELINES ON LOCAL OFF-CAMPUS ACTIVITIES

The Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) actively collaborates with the Commission on Higher Education—Office of Student Development and Services (CHED-OSDS), headed by Director Edna Imelda F. Legazpi, in the enhancement and revision of CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 63, s. 2017 entitled, “Policies and Guidelines on Local Off-Campus Activities.”

Atty. John R. Jacome, LL.M., Managing Director of COCOPEA, has participated in the Technical Working Group (TWG) created by CHED-OSDS and shared his invaluable inputs as a Resource Person to propose revisions to CMO No. 63. The aim is to ensure holistic development of the students of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) through the conduct of off-campus activities. By engaging in these activities, both curricular and non-curricular, students gain not only knowledge, skills and values but are also exposed in situations by providing meaningful and practical learning experiences beyond the classroom.

Other TWG participants were representatives from CHED itself, the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP), League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), De la Salle College of St. Benilde, and Marinduque State College. The presence of these various government instrumentalities shows that paramount consideration is being given to the safety and welfare of the student participants to the off-campus activities through adoption of security measures and compliance with the reasonable requirements.

The CMO revision process is still on-going. It commenced with the TWG organizational meeting on June 21, 2024 at the CHED Central Office. Thereafter, TWG Workshops were conducted in Tagaytay City on July 29 to August 1, followed by the presentation and finalization of the draft CMO on August 27 at the CHED Central Office. Subsequently, series of zonal public consultations will be held for the Luzon Cluster (Tagaytay City), the Visayas Chapter (Cebu City) and the Mindanao Cluster (General Santos City).

COCOPEA Endorsement for DepEd Undersecretary

COCOPEA ENDORSES DR. KAROL MARK YEE AS SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR EDUCATION

The Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) has endorsed Dr. Karol Mark Yee as Special Assistant for Education to the President of the Republic of the Philippines.

Fr. Albert N. Delvo, Chairman of COCOPEA, manifested the federation’s full support for Dr. Yee: “In our Endorsement Letter dated 12 September 2024 submitted to the Office of the President, we relayed to the President that Dr. Yee’s visionary leadership, acumen and commitment to education will drive the Cabinet Cluster for Education towards achieving its goals, particularly in providing positive interventions for Filipino learners.”

“We believe that Dr. Yee, a devout Catholic Christian, possesses exceptional competence, commitment, and integrity to help the public and private education sectors towards achieving complementarity, addressing the learning gaps, and affording strong oversight to all education agencies under the executive department,” Fr. Delvo added.

Atty. John R. Jacome, Managing Director of COCOPEA, echoed this support, highlighting Dr. Yee’s current stint as Executive Director of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM2) which provided him significant experience in assessing, evaluating and offering solutions to the present problems and challenges besetting the Philippine education system.

“Through his work in EDCOM2, he has moved the Commission to shed light on the severity of our learning crisis. He has pushed for a more strategic response to the learning crisis (especially with Department of Education’s learning recovery program), worked closely with government agencies like DepEd, Department of Budget and Management, and the Civil Service Commission to unburden teachers of administrative tasks, pushed for greater coordination in nutrition programs to combat stunting in children, and has long worked on improving complementarity between public and private education,” Atty. Jacome stated.

The Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) is composed of five national educational associations: Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP); Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU); Association of Christian Schools, Colleges and Universities (ACSCU); Philippine Association of Private Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAPSCU); and the Unified TVET of the Philippines (UniTVET). COCOPEA represents the largest group of private schools, colleges, universities, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in the country.

As it pushes for Dr. Yee’s appointment, the group recognized the urgent need to address challenges in the Philippine education system, such as access to quality education, technological innovation and excellence, and infrastructure enhancement.

COCOPEA concluded, "We will sincerely be grateful, deeply appreciative, and delighted if Dr. Karol Mark Yee gets the appointment.”

🎉 Save the Date! 🎉

📅 October 29-30, 2024
🕒 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
📍 Novotel Manila, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City

The Unified TVET of the Philippines (UniTVET), Inc. with the support of PEAC invites you to the 2024 National TVET Convention & 19th General Membership Conference with the theme: “Strategic TVET Convergence: Education Pathways. Workforce Development. TVET Research.”

Join us and 500+ participants as we explore collaborative efforts to advance the relevance of seamless Philippine TVET from basic to higher education. 🌍📚

🌍 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS 🌍
🌟 Keynote Speeches from Invited Key Officials from the Government
🌟 Inspiring Talks from Industry Sector Leaders
🌟 Plenary Talks centered on TVET
🌟 International Research and TVET Partners' Presentations
🌟 Exhibits Championing TVET; and
🗳️ Board of Trustees Election during the Annual GMM.

✅ Online Registration will open tonight at 7PM. Stay tuned for details!

For more details:
📧 [email protected]
📱 Viber: +63 915 091 6770

We can’t wait to see you there! 🌟

𝐂𝐎𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐀 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐃𝐎𝐋𝐄’𝐬 𝐓𝐔𝐏𝐀𝐃 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐞𝐬

Aiming to institutionalize the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program, the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment, and Human Resources Development, chaired by Senator Joel Villanueva, conducted a public hearing on August 20, 2024 at the Quezon Room, Senate of the Philippines.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma actively participated in the hearing, emphasizing the need for a permanent and institutionalized social safety net for displaced, marginalized and vulnerable workers and their families. Senator Nancy Binay was also present as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Labor.

Representing the interest and welfare of private education sector, Atty. John R. Jacome, LL.M., Managing Director of the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations of the Philippines (COCOPEA), asserted the rights of the teachers and school personnel to full employment, a rising standard of living and an improved quality of life. He recommended to the Senate Committee and DOLE to make the TUPAD Program address long term employment needs and opportunities for school workers, ultimately redounding to the benefit of the students, community and the nation’s future socio-economic agenda.

𝐂𝐎𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐀 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬

The Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations of the Philippines (COCOPEA) attended the Senate Committee on Basic Education’s inquiry on August 7, 2024 at the Sen. G.T. Pecson Room, Senate of the Philippines. The Resource Persons and representatives from the COCOPEA include Fr. Albert N. Delvo, Ph.D., Chairperson and CEAP President; Atty. John R. Jacome, LL.M., Managing Director; and Ms. Charina Claustro, CEAP National Advocacy Commission Coordinator.

Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian, together with Senator Nancy Binay, spearheaded the public hearing on the opening of School Year (2024-2025) and made inquiries on the readiness of teachers and the availability of quality learning materials for the rollout of the MATATAG Curriculum. The hearing also discussed the implementation of DepEd national learning camp which seeks to address learning loss through tutorial sessions and intervention plans.

The discussion culminated with the review of the role of the National Book Development Board and the book publishing industry under R.A. No. 8047, considering that books are instrumental in our students’ intellectual, technical, cultural and moral development.

"To ease congestion in public schools, PEAC is pushing for the expansion of the GASTPE program to cover Kindergarten to Grade 6 pupils."

Expansion of GASTPE program pushed to address overcrowding in public schools Expanding the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) program to cover Kindergarten through Grade 6 provides an immediate remedy to the chronic overcrowding that impairs the quality of education in public schools.

In a momentous collaboration, the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA), Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), and Rex Education, in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), have joined forces to launch the COCOPEA–CEAP–REX MATATAG Curriculum Regional Run.

A unified commitment with learners in mind In a momentous collaboration, the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA), Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (...

Letter from the Hon. Francisco "Kiko" B. Benitez, newly-appointed Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Congratulations again on your recent appointment! COCOPEA looks forward to working with you in providing accessible and quality technical-vocational education and training for our learners and boosting their employability and entrepreneurial skills.

The Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations of the Philippines (COCOPEA) attended a public hearing conducted by the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at Sen. Claro M. Recto Hall, Senate of the Philippines.

Fr. Albert N. Delvo, Ph.D., COCOPEA Chairperson, and Atty. John R. Jacome, LL.M., COCOPEA Executive Director, appeared as Resource Persons. The public hearing, chaired by Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and likewise attended by Senator Robinhood C. Padilla, discussed Senate Resolution No. 863, “Resolution directing the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, into the continuous radicalization and recruitment of students in educational institutions to the local communist terrorist groups with the end in view of determining the roles and liabilities of concerned student organizations and educational institutions in preventing the same in connection with the implementation of R.A. No. 11479.”

A Press Release dated 8 August 2024 courtesy of the NTF-ELCAC recounts COCOPEA’s position as stated below.

COCOPEA Warns Terror Groomers: "Schools Are Not Recruitment Centers for Extremism and Violent Movements"

The head of the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) on Tuesday (August 6, 2024), unequivocally warned terror groomers to stay away from their schools and to spare their students from being recruited into violent extremism. This statement was made during a Senate hearing by the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, chaired by Senator Ronald dela Rosa.

"First, it is very clear to all the member schools and organizations I mentioned that our identity and mission center on providing education. We simply want to prepare our graduates for employability, careers, college, and meaningful lives. Second, it is also very clear to us that we are here to provide moral and spiritual values. Therefore, our colleges, universities, and schools are not recruitment centers for extremism and violent movements," Reverend Albert Delvo stated during the hearing.

He clarified that he was speaking on behalf of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) and the Manila Ecclesiastical Province School Systems Association (MEPSSA), both member associations of COCOPEA.

The hearing focused on Senator dela Rosa’s Resolution 863, which investigates the persistent radicalization and recruitment of students by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and its student front organizations such as the Kabataang Makabayan (KM), Anakbayan, and the League of Filipino Students (LFS), among others.

The investigation, in aid of legislation, also scrutinizes the potential involvement of certain school officials in allowing terror groomers to radicalize and recruit students into the armed struggle promoted by the Maoist-inspired NPA, the armed wing of the CPP.

Member government agencies of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), like the Philippine National Police (PNP), informed Senator dela Rosa's committee about the persistent terror grooming schemes of the CPP-NPA-NDF in schools, carried out under the guise of academic freedom and free speech, which they argue have "destroyed the lives and future of many of our youth."

Police Colonel Randy Arceo from the PNP-Directorate for Operations reported that some 168 students, who were groomed and eventually joined the NPA between 2014 and the present, have either been killed in battle (33), arrested (42), or have surrendered (93).

These victims of radicalization and recruitment into the NPA were drawn from colleges, universities, and even some high and elementary schools across the country.

"Second, if any schools, colleges, or universities are mentioned in the initial findings, these findings will need to be validated. We respect the initial findings, subject to verification or authentication, but these are minimal aberrations and deviations from what is usual and normal. Our universities, colleges, and schools operate free from suspicious or unlawful engagements and activities," Delvo stated during the hearing.

"Third, our universities, colleges, and schools have appropriate offices which designated and trained competent, and committed individuals who administer organizations that monitor, motivate, and mentor vulnerable individuals. They proactively and responsibly provide services and guidance to those who might be classified as vulnerable to recruitment and indoctrination, while also addressing mental health issues."

"Fourth, our schools, universities, and colleges uphold the sanctity of every person and human life. To us, human lives are sacred, whether they are government soldiers or insurgents. Lives must be respected, revered, and valued. Our futures are bright and meaningful if we promote peace, justice, harmony, and security," the COCOPEA head emphasized.

Delvo also expressed appreciation for the collaboration with the NTF-ELCAC National Secretariat, led by Executive Director and Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., in explaining to the association the pernicious effects of terror grooming on the education and future of students.

"We share with NTF-ELCAC in their initiatives at providing a ‘whole-of-nation approach.’ This problem cannot be addressed solely through armed confrontation or encounters, which only result in the loss of lives. Lives must be respected, revered, valued, and protected. We are open to working with government agencies that promote the ‘whole-of-nation approach,’ which includes expanding and increasing services to the Filipino people, fostering development in the countryside, and promoting dialogue and collaboration for a bright and prosperous future for this country," he said.

"And finally, we appeal to all, especially the government, to reject violence and killing. This appeal extends not only to the government but to all sectors or organizations that may be engaged in armed struggle. Our schools, colleges, and universities are very clear: no to violence, no to extremism and terrorism, no to red-tagging, and no to the violation of human rights," he added.

https://www.ntfelcac.org/post/cocopea-warns-terror-groomers-schools-are-not-recruitment-centers-for-extremism-and-violent-movement

𝗖𝗢𝗖𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗔 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀: "𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀"

The head of the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) on Tuesday (August 6, 2024), unequivocally warned terror groomers to stay away from their schools and to spare their students from being recruited into violent extremism. This statement was made during a Senate hearing by the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, chaired by Senator Ronald dela Rosa.

"First, it is very clear to all the member schools and organizations I mentioned that our identity and mission center on providing education. We simply want to prepare our graduates for employability, careers, college, and meaningful lives. Second, it is also very clear to us that we are here to provide moral and spiritual values. Therefore, our colleges, universities, and schools are not recruitment centers for extremism and violent movements," Reverend Albert Delvo stated during the hearing.

He clarified that he was speaking on behalf of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) and the Manila Ecclesiastical Province School Systems Association (MEPSSA), both member associations of COCOPEA.

The hearing focused on Senator dela Rosa’s Resolution 863, which investigates the persistent radicalization and recruitment of students by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and its student front organizations such as the Kabataang Makabayan (KM), Anakbayan, and the League of Filipino Students (LFS), among others.

The investigation, in aid of legislation, also scrutinizes the potential involvement of certain school officials in allowing terror groomers to radicalize and recruit students into the armed struggle promoted by the Maoist-inspired NPA, the armed wing of the CPP.

Member government agencies of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), like the Philippine National Police (PNP), informed Senator dela Rosa's committee about the persistent terror grooming schemes of the CPP-NPA-NDF in schools, carried out under the guise of academic freedom and free speech, which they argue have "destroyed the lives and future of many of our youth."

Police Colonel Randy Arceo from the PNP-Directorate for Operations reported that some 168 students, who were groomed and eventually joined the NPA between 2014 and the present, have either been killed in battle (33), arrested (42), or have surrendered (93).

These victims of radicalization and recruitment into the NPA were drawn from colleges, universities, and even some high and elementary schools across the country.

"Second, if any schools, colleges, or universities are mentioned in the initial findings, these findings will need to be validated. We respect the initial findings, subject to verification or authentication, but these are minimal aberrations and deviations from what is usual and normal. Our universities, colleges, and schools operate free from suspicious or unlawful engagements and activities," Delvo stated during the hearing.

"Third, our universities, colleges, and schools have appropriate offices which designated and trained competent, and committed individuals who administer organizations that monitor, motivate, and mentor vulnerable individuals. They proactively and responsibly provide services and guidance to those who might be classified as vulnerable to recruitment and indoctrination, while also addressing mental health issues."

"Fourth, our schools, universities, and colleges uphold the sanctity of every person and human life. To us, human lives are sacred, whether they are government soldiers or insurgents. Lives must be respected, revered, and valued. Our futures are bright and meaningful if we promote peace, justice, harmony, and security," the COCOPEA head emphasized.

Delvo also expressed appreciation for the collaboration with the NTF-ELCAC National Secretariat, led by Executive Director and Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., in explaining to the association the pernicious effects of terror grooming on the education and future of students.

"We share with NTF-ELCAC in their initiatives at providing a ‘whole-of-nation approach.’ This problem cannot be addressed solely through armed confrontation or encounters, which only result in the loss of lives. Lives must be respected, revered, valued, and protected. We are open to working with government agencies that promote the ‘whole-of-nation approach,’ which includes expanding and increasing services to the Filipino people, fostering development in the countryside, and promoting dialogue and collaboration for a bright and prosperous future for this country," he said.

"And finally, we appeal to all, especially the government, to reject violence and killing. This appeal extends not only to the government but to all sectors or organizations that may be engaged in armed struggle. Our schools, colleges, and universities are very clear: no to violence, no to extremism and terrorism, no to red-tagging, and no to the violation of human rights," he added.

https://www.ntfelcac.org/post/cocopea-warns-terror-groomers-schools-are-not-recruitment-centers-for-extremism-and-violent-moveme

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has appointed Negros Occidental Representative Jose Francisco “Kiko” Bantug Benitez as the new Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) expresses its full support for Benitez’s appointment. COCOPEA, a key advocate for private education, believes that Benitez’s leadership will enhance TESDA’s role in advancing technical education and skills development, aligning with its mission to improve educational standards and workforce readiness across the country.

Marcos appoints Rep. Kiko Benitez as new TESDA chief President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. has named Negros Occidental Representative Jose Francisco “Kiko” Bantug Benitez as the new director general of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The COCOPEA–CEAP–REX MATATAG Curriculum Regional Run, organized by COCOPEA, CEAP, Rex Education, and DepEd, is an initiative aimed at equipping educators and administrators nationwide with the tools and knowledge for the MATATAG Curriculum. The event, themed "Capacitating the Private Education Sector," includes a commitment board signing and focuses on understanding, implementing, and collaborating on the new curriculum.

Over two days, participants attend plenary and breakout sessions covering various educational areas and curriculum components. Spanning seven regional locations, the initiative seeks to enhance educational practices and support Filipino learners through effective curriculum implementation and educator collaboration.

Empowering Educators: COCOPEA, CEAP, and Rex Education join forces for the MATATAG Regional Run - Punto! Central Luzon In a momentous collaboration, the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA), Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), and Rex Education, in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), have joined forces to launch the COCOPEA–CEAP–REX MATATAG ...

𝐂𝐎𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠

On August 8, 2024, the COCOPEA Board conducted its Regular Meeting at the Joy Nostalg Hotel in Ortigas, Pasig City.

The highlights of the said meeting included significant updates from various sectors, starting with the Chairperson’s Report. Fr. Albert N. Delvo provided insights into recent developments, including updates from the Department of Education (DepEd) and a Thanksgiving Dinner with Secretary Sonny M. Angara. The discussions also covered the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Jobs Committee and the ongoing other updates. The discussion highlighted the current efforts of COCOPEA aligned with its strategies with national educational policies and initiatives.

Further discussions included updates from UNIFAST and CHED, where topics such as the 46th UNIFAST Board Meeting, technical working groups on CHED Memorandum Orders, and consultations with higher education institutions were covered. Notably, the meeting reviewed the proposed Magna Carta for Private Schools and the 9th COCOPEA National Congress Evaluation and Financial Reports. These deliberations aimed to address both immediate and long-term educational needs and policy enhancements.

The latter part of the meeting involved legislative updates, with Atty. Kristine Manaog, Legal Counsel, and Atty. John R. Jacome, COCOPEA Managing Director, provides insights into legislative matters affecting basic education. The meeting concluded with associations’ updates and a guest presentation from the FEU Public Policy Center on the state of Philippine higher education. The session wrapped up with other matters and a closing prayer by Dr. Betty Cernol-McCann, marking the end of a productive and comprehensive meeting.