Building a Future-Ready Workforce: Insights from the APC and MAP Education Leader Conference

In an era marked by rapid change, economic uncertainty, and evolving skill demands, it has become clear that the future of work requires more than just academic excellence. It calls for purposeful partnerships, agile policies, and inclusive learning systems. The recent Education Leader Conference jointly hosted by Asia Pacific College (APC) and the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) convened visionary leaders to address these pressing needs.

Under the resonant theme "Building a Stronger Workforce through Structured Internship and Lifelong Learning Legislation," the conference served as a high-impact platform for shaping the narrative around workforce development, policy reform, and educational transformation in the Philippines and beyond.

A Convergence of Visionary Leadership

The conference brought together a powerhouse of educational and policy leaders, each offering deep insights into how we can align academic pathways with national development goals.

• Dr. Ma. Teresita "Tata" Pastor Medado, President of NU - Asia Pacific College, emphasized the role of industry-academe partnerships in creating structured internships that empower students to apply knowledge in real-world environments. Her call for experiential learning and innovation ecosystems stood as a bold challenge to conventional models of higher education.

  
  

• Sec. Alfredo "Fred" E. Pascual, former Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry and past President of the University of the Philippines, drew on his dual experience in academia and government to advocate for integrative legislation that ensures lifelong learning becomes a national imperative—not just a personal ambition.

  
  

• Pres. Angelo Jimenez, President of the University of the Philippines and MAP Education Committee member, highlighted the need for educational systems to be resilient, inclusive, and globally aligned. His insights resonated with the urgency of elevating Philippine higher education to meet international standards while staying rooted in local relevance.

  
  

• Sec. Edwin Lacierda, Co-Founder of PayMongo and Lead of SM J.O.B.S. under SM Foundation, spotlighted the role of digital platforms and corporate programs in democratizing skills access. His contribution underscored how entrepreneurial ecosystems can be mobilized to support equitable economic mobility.

  
  

• Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, President of PASUC and Batangas State University, underscored the need to empower state universities and colleges (SUCs) through structured support, policy alignment, and national recognition as key players in engineering and innovation.

What sets this conference apart is its action-oriented agenda. By framing internships as not just supplementary experiences but as essential pathways to employability, the event catalyzed a renewed push for structured, credit-bearing internship programs that are deeply aligned with industry needs.

Simultaneously, lifelong learning was redefined—not just as continuous education, but as a civic responsibility and legislative priority. There was a resounding call for the enactment of forward-looking policies that incentivize re-skilling, upskilling, and intergenerational learning.

Charting a New Educational Paradigm

This conference was not merely a gathering—it was a momentum-building movement toward a future where educational institutions, government bodies, and industries collaborate to create a more equitable, innovative, and resilient workforce.

As we look ahead, the work continues. The dialogue initiated by APC and MAP must now be translated into policies, curricula, and partnerships that serve the evolving aspirations of learners and the real demands of our global economy.

Call to Action

Let us commit to bridging the education-employment gap by fostering structured internships and institutionalizing lifelong learning. Together, we can build a workforce that is not only job-ready but future-ready.