The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Australian government have launched a P1.6-billion initiative aimed at improving senior high school (SHS) education and better preparing graduates for employment or higher education.Funded by Australia with AUD40 million (about P1.

6 billion), the five-year Education Quality for Inclusive Prosperity (EQUIP) program will run from 2025 to 2030 in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The collaboration seeks to strengthen work immersion through partnerships with Australian institutions like Melbourne Polytechnic and The Gordon Institute, align training programs with workforce needs in sectors such as construction, healthcare, and IT, and provide literacy interventions for struggling learners.Teachers will also benefit from capability-building programs, while data systems will aid education planning.Pilot schools in Metro Manila, including Mariano Marcos Memorial High School and Lagro High School, will lead the initiative's first phase.

This program underscores Australia’s commitment to supporting Philippine education reforms and ensuring graduates are equipped with skills for future challenges.