1. "The ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework: Guide to Quality Assurance in ASEAN 2015"
Dr Ethel Agnes P. Valenzuela
Senior Specialist
Southeast Asian Minsters of Education Organization
Regional Center for Educational Innovation and Technology (SEAMEO INNOTECH)

2. THE ASEAN QUALIFICATIONS REFERENCE FRAMEWORK
The trend of economic globalisation, the cross-border movement of labour is also steadily increasing.
The governments need to develop common and transparent regional standards as an important step towards enhancing student and labour mobility.
This need can be clearly seen in the Asia-Pacific region, as the ASEAN Economic Community is expected to be established by 2015.

3. GOALS OF ASEAN NQF
National Qualifications Frameworks for ASEAN that aims to harmonise regulatory arrangements between participating countries, which underpin the recognition of qualifications and quality of assurance of education provision through the development of mutually comparable national qualifications frameworks (NQFs) based on a common reference framework. 

4. Historical Notes Present AERP ASEAN MRAs Washington Accord 1996- 2000
Phil as a leader in MRA negotiation
-WTO
GATTS
APEC
ASEAN EU
UNESCO
Present
AERP
ASEAN MRAs
Washington Accord
EU efforts (Bologna Accord)

5. What we have now: The Philippine Education System
From 10 to 12

6. The PNQF: A promise!

7. Descriptors for various levels

8. Philippine NQF

9. Philippine NQF

10. Philippine NQF

11. Philippine NQF

12. Take on the ASEAN RQF
The necessity of developing NQFs under a long-term and comprehensive reform strategy, attaching a high premium to related policy measures
The need for quality assurance systems and teacher training
The importance of fostering the deeper involvement and stronger capacity-building of all stakeholders in the NQF process, including development partners, employers and trade unions and all sectors of civil society.

13. Take on the ASEAN NQF
Knowledge sharing - There should be a sustained efforts towards mutual learning among states must be intensified through peer reviews and peer learning.
Dialogue- There is a need for sustained regional-level discussions on establishing a Regional Qualifications Framework

14. Pre-requisites for an ASEAN QF (RQF)
The importance of government agencies support for the RQF for the successful development and implementation
Legislation
A national development strategy
Adequate resourcing for RQF- budget appropriate
How to promote cooperation of all stakeholders

15. Issues and Challenges
Quality Assurance- Comparability of academic preparations
Access to Information -Presence of National Information Center to offer to the Region
Extent of Openness - flexibility of government for cross-border credentialing system
Timeliness - acting proactively on the information required for accreditation and equivalency

16. Issue # 1: Quality Assurance
Presence of accreditation system with globally accepted standards
Philippines has a long history of leadership in accreditation
Disparity in standards among accrediting bodies
Low number of institutions with accreditation
Having a regional affiliation in specific fields
Cost and benefit of accreditation to the institutions and to the graduates

17. Issue # 2: Information
Overseas Recognition bodies need a centralized Education Information Center
UNESCO Toolkit on National Information Centers
UNESCO Toolkit on the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications
UNESCO Guidelines on Transnational and DOLDE
The Philippines has no NIC yet- but CHED has committed in 2011 to set up one.

18. Issue # 3: Flexibility Making more HEIs flexible, open and innovative
Comparability of Philippine higher education programs and standards
CHED to continue to send experts to make our higher education programs comparable with international standards
Institutions to harness technology for global comparability of educational programs and services
Review of internationalization policies
Restrictions in terms of legislation
National legislations at times restricts MRA
Making more HEIs flexible, open and innovative

19. Issue # 4- Timeliness Infrastructure support
National regulations exists
When to address the bottlenecks?
Infrastructure support
Promoting ICT-based solutions in a timely fashion
Promoting cross-border exchange without limitations of “rank/level”-
Process improvement in MRAs

20. Phil Response Curriculum Planning Development of Qualifications
Qualifications Register
Quality Assurance
Accreditation of Education Providers
Certification of graduates
International Alignment

21. URGENT RESPONSE
Need to have a dedicated champion to promote the cause of MRAs in the region.
Need to have a sustained support and effort from HEIs, CHED, PRC and DOLE to promote Global Citizens who can share their talents freely whenever, wherever and whoever!!

22. For questions and resources:
Thank you!!!