MILLIONS of Filipinos can now access free, world-class training in cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) following a strategic partnership between the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Amazon Web Services (AWS).
Formalized through a Strategic Training Agreement (STA) on September 29, 2026, at the TESDA Complex, the collaboration integrates industry-recognized AWS digital courses directly into the TESDA Online Program (TOP).
TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez and AWS Philippines Country Manager Precious Lim signed the pact, aiming to make technical education more responsive to the evolving global digital economy.
“Skills development is ultimately about creating opportunities for people,” said Sec. Benitez.
“Through this collaboration with AWS, we are giving Filipinos access to world-class cloud and AI training that they can use to build careers and contribute to the growth of our digital economy. Gusto nating masigurado na walang Pilipinong maiiwanan habang nagbabago ang mundo ng trabaho,” Benitez added.
The agreement introduces foundational courses accessible to all Filipinos via TOP without prerequisites or fees. Key offerings include:
- Fundamentals of AI: An introductory module covering machine learning basics and real-world AI applications.
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner: A foundational course building practical skills across cloud security, architecture, and core services.
- AWS Certified AI Practitioner: Applied training covering generative AI, responsible AI practices, and problem-solving through AWS tools.
Eligible learners completing certification pathways may also enroll at the TESDA Women’s Center to access AWS Academy resources and potential certification exam vouchers, subject to availability and program policies.
AWS Philippines Country Manager Precious Lim emphasized the joint commitment to scaling digital capabilities nationwide.
“When you remove the barriers of cost and access, you give an entire generation the tools to build a better future for themselves and their communities,” Lim noted.
Aligning with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to enhance national competitiveness, TESDA plans to expand the curriculum further into cloud security, database management, and architecture, delivering specialized training through its provincial centers and tech institutions.