MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC/Commission), through Hon. Melinda L. Garcia, member of the Professional Regulatory Board of Dentistry (PRB-DNT), and Ms. Marie Cecille P. Fernando, Chief of the Qualification Recognition Division (QRD), successfully participated in the 14th ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework Committee (AQRFC) meeting last February 4-6, 2025 in Crowne Plaza, Vientiane, Lao PDR.

The meeting was attended by AQRFC representatives and focal points from all ASEAN Member States (AMS), except Brunei Darussalam. The session commenced with the adoption of the meeting agenda, followed by the handover of the AQRFC chairpersonship from Malaysia to Lao PDR and the vice-chairpersonship from Lao PDR to Myanmar.

During the event, Hon. Garcia, along with the Philippine delegation, presented a comprehensive comparison of the ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework (AQRF) with other National Qualifications Frameworks (NQFs) and Regional Qualifications Frameworks (RQFs). These included: The European Qualifications Framework (EQF), Southern African Development Community Qualifications Framework (SADCQF), Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), UAE Qualifications Framework (QFEmirates), Hong Kong Qualifications Framework (HQF), Japan Educational Qualifications System, Thailand-China Collaboration, South Korean Qualifications Framework (KQF), and the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF).

The Philippines also shared significant progress on post-referencing activities; such as: strengthened governance and a dedicated strategy for PQF implementation, building and strengthening a culture of lifelong learning in the Philippines, implementation of micro-credentials in TVET, updates on the Philippine Credit Transfer System, and the progress of compliance with Criterion 11 Post-Referencing, such as the indication of PQF levels on the PRC Identification Cards by August 2025.

Furthermore, the participation of Hon. Garcia and Ms. Fernando— representing the Working Group on International Alignment under the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) and the AQRF Focal Point for the PRC— provided several advantages, not only for the PRC but also for Filipino professionals. These benefits include: (1) supporting regional efforts to promote and facilitate the mobility of workers and learners within ASEAN; (2) contributing to the improvement of education and training quality; (3) enhancing mechanisms for validating non-formal and informal learning, supporting lifelong learning; and (4) creating equitable opportunities for gainful employment within the ASEAN region.

This achievement underscores the PRC’s ongoing commitment to maintaining high professional standards and ethical practices while contributing to broader regional integration and economic cooperation within ASEAN.

The next AQRFC meeting is tentatively scheduled for the second or third quarter of FY 2025.

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