UP Presents Philippine Micro-Credentials Research at MicroCASA 2026
13 February 2026 | Written by: Keith Andrei Layson
QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES — The University of the Philippines presented research on micro-credentials policy and practice at the MicroCASA International Conference 2026, held on 3–4 February at Universiti Sains Malaysia in Penang. The conference was supported under the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.
Seventy educators, policymakers, quality assurance agencies, and industry leaders—including eight UP representatives—explored how micro-credentials can enhance employability and workforce responsiveness amid rapid technological change.
Research Presentation on the Philippine Micro-credentials System
The UPS delegation presented the working paper “Building a Philippine National Micro-Credentials System: What We’re Learning from Policy Design and Real Programs So Far,” authored by UP Vice President for Digital Transformation Peter A. Sy, Regine C. Pustadan, Keith Andrei A. Layson, and Katheryn H. Hidalgo.
The study reveals strong alignment across national and sectoral policies on lifelong learning and employability. However, it identifies gaps in cross-sector governance, inconsistent micro-credential definitions and standards, and weak harmonization between higher education and technical-vocational education and training (TVET). The proposed National Microcredentials Consortium addresses these gaps through connective governance mechanisms.
Panel on Sustainability and Digital Transformation
VP Sy joined Panel Session II: Sustainability and Digital Transformation, alongside UPOU Chancellor Joane Serrano. The panel discussed how technology-enabled micro-credentials can support inclusive upskilling and reskilling, while remaining aligned with academic standards and labor market needs.
“The Philippines has strong government regulations on micro-credentials. But the landscape remains emergent, creating opportunities to build a more coherent national ecosystem,” he said.
VP Sy joined Panel Session II: Sustainability and Digital Transformation, alongside UPOU Chancellor Joane Serrano. The panel discussed how technology-enabled micro-credentials can support inclusive upskilling and reskilling, while remaining aligned with academic standards and labor market needs.
“The Philippines has strong government regulations on micro-credentials. But the landscape remains emergent, creating opportunities to build a more coherent national ecosystem,” he said.
The discussion also underscored the role of digital transformation in expanding access to learning opportunities and strengthening the relevance of micro-credentials for learners and employers.
Advancing National Standards Through Multi-Sectoral Collaboration
UP’s MicroCASA 2026 presentation built on the Roundtable Discussion on Micro-Credential Standards and Frameworks held on 24 November 2025. The roundtable was convened by UP through the Office of the Vice President for Digital Transformation (OVPDx), UP Open University, and the national Technical Working Group on Micro-Credentials.
Nearly 50 representatives from government agencies, higher education institutions, TVET providers, accrediting bodies, and industry partners began co-designing a unified Philippine Microcredential Framework. Initial outputs included draft shared definitions, quality standards, and recognition pathways.
Four thematic technical working groups—Policy, Standards, Technology, and Implementation—will advance the framework toward formal policy proposals in 2026.
Commitment to Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development
UP’s research at MicroCASA 2026 and leadership in national policy development advance a coherent, inclusive, globally informed micro-credentials system. This work links policy reform, digital transformation, and workforce development to expand learning and employment pathways for Filipinos.
To stay updated on the progress of the Philippine Microcredential Framework initiative, you may follow the University of the Philippines (UP) Office of the Vice President for Digital Transformation’s (OVPDx) Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/upovpdx.
For more information, reach out to the UP OVPDx email at: [email protected].