The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is the government agency in charge of college and graduate education in the Philippines. Created in 1994 through Republic Act No. 7722, it regulates universities and colleges, sets standards for degree programs, and offers scholarships and grants to help students access higher education.
As an agency, it works closely with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to connect technical-vocational training with college education—through ladderized programs, joint curriculum planning, and shared standards—so TESDA graduates can continue to college and college students can gain industry-ready skills. Simply put, while CHED builds the structure of higher education, TESDA builds practical skills for work. Together, their partnership helps Filipinos move from skills training to degrees, aligning programs, standards, and industry needs for better job opportunities without starting from zero.
What is CHED?
CHED stands for Commission on Higher Education, an attached agency of the Office of the President responsible for overseeing all public and private higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines, established on May 18, 1994 under the Higher Education Act of 1994 (RA 7722)—the law that separated the education system into three parts:
- DepEd: for Basic education
- TESDA: for Technical-vocational and middle-level skills training
- CHED: for College and graduate education
As an agency dedicated to better learning, CHED sets standards for degree programs, monitors universities, develops policies, and supports research and innovation. It also provides scholarships and financial assistance, especially for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Its mission is simple: promote access to quality higher education and keep programs relevant to national development.
CHED and TESDA: So, Where Does TESDA Come In?
If you are wondering about how TESDA, with its focus on technical education and skills development (TVET), collaborates with CHED, then here’s a list of the kind of work they do together:
1. Ladderized Education Program (LEP)
Under Executive Order No. 358, CHED and TESDA allow students to “ladder up.” This means that:
- If you finish a TESDA National Certificate (NC),
- Your training can be credited toward a related college degree.
You don’t waste time. You build on what you already learned. It means that a TESDA graduate in hospitality can continue toward a related bachelor’s degree, with certain credits recognized.
2. Curriculum Harmonization
Through Joint Memorandum Circulars (JMCs), CHED and TESDA align their curricula and training regulations. In 2025, they formalized stronger collaboration to harmonize standards in priority industries like:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Digital Technology
- Healthcare
- Financial Services
- Tourism
- Creative Economy
They are creating unified curriculum standards and 5-year roadmaps so training matches real job market needs. This translates to less skill mismatch. More employability.
3. Joint Management and Industry Coordination
CHED and TESDA conduct joint conferences and management meetings to:
- Align data systems
- Improve scholarship coordination
- Build “training-to-trabaho” pathways
- Reduce policy gaps
They also work with industry leaders from IT-BPO, renewable energy, semiconductor, healthcare, and other sectors to make programs responsive to actual workforce demands.
4. Quality Assurance and National Standards
CHED regulates colleges. TESDA regulates TVET. Now, they are harmonizing qualifications frameworks so learners can move more easily between systems without confusion. Their goal: to create a seamless Philippine education system from skills training to professional practice.
If you are:
- An OFW planning to study again
- A returning OFW wanting career change
- An out-of-school youth
- A working professional
- A TESDA graduate thinking about college
You now have clearer pathways and don’t need to choose between “skills” and “degree.” With this partnership, education is not one straight road anymore. It’s a pathway you can climb step by step.