AROUND 4,500 employment opportunities opened up on Monday, August 24, as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) marked its 32nd anniversary with the 2026 National Tech-Voc Day Celebration at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.
The day-long event featured the World Cafe of Opportunities (WCO) job fair alongside the official launch of the TESDA Skills Compass, a new tool designed to guide jobseekers toward viable career and livelihood paths.
Organized by TESDA-NCR under Regional Director Angelina “Leni” Carreon in partnership with the Pasay City Local Government Unit, the job fair brought together 65 participating companies and government service agencies.
Prominent private sector participants included San Miguel Global Power, Meralco, Founders Donut, Wealthlink, Inc., Mr. Quickie, Erovoutika, SMC Repairs & Maintenance, and SM Supermalls.
Speaking on behalf of TESDA Director General Secretary Kiko Benitez, Deputy Director General for Policy and Planning Rosanna A. Urdaneta delivered a message reassuring applicants who remain uncertain about their career trajectories.
“It’s not bad not to know the answer yet on what career path an individual would like to pursue,” Benitez stated. “This is the reason why we launched the TESDA Skills Compass, which gives direction to the right map of job opportunities.”
The Skills Compass initiative focuses on evaluating critical thinking and socio-emotional abilities to help individuals match their strengths with suitable industries, such as cybersecurity, where specific technical competency is vital.
Industry leaders supported the initiative’s emphasis on skill development. Bravan Tan, Managing Director of Winston International, highlighted the evolving job market: “Skills is the new currency of opportunities. Our ultimate goal is not only to train people, but to equip them with skills and competency.”
Pasay City Mayor Imelda “Emi” Calixto Rubiano, who joined agency executives in signing the Pledge of Commitment, likened the new tool to a physical navigational instrument that streamlines the employment process.
The lady chief executive affirmed that Pasay City will maintain its partnership with vocational institutions to continuously provide sustainable employment and training for its constituents.
