THE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has entered a sweeping wave of partnerships with government agencies, research institutions, and major industry groups to expand local skills training, livelihood opportunities, and workforce modernization.
The collaborations were formalized through a series of Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) signed in Taguig City.
The initiative is designed to ensure that technical-vocational education and training (TVET) remains adaptive to rapid shifts in the modern economic landscape.
TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez highlighted that the evolving nature of global industries requires continuous evolution from the agency.
“Thirty-two years later, iba na ang mundo ng trabaho, and iba na rin ang trabaho ng TESDA. The skills, industries, and opportunities we prepare Filipinos for have changed dramatically,” Secretary Benitez noted.
The strategic alliances target diverse sectors to maximize nationwide impact:
- Agriculture & Fisheries: A partnership with the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) focuses on organizational development and income diversification for fisherfolk communities under the FishCoRe MARLIN Component.
- Research & Policy: TESDA is teaming up with Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) to integrate data-driven initiatives, technical assistance, and research into TVET policies.
- Sustainability: Collaboration with the Philippine Alliance for Sustainable Solutions Foundation, Inc. (PASSFI) aims to incorporate circular economy and sustainability initiatives into industry-aligned training programs.
- Private Sector Alignment: A partnership with the Private Sector Jobs and Skills Corporation (PCORP) coordinates private sector efforts to support Industry TVET Boards.
- Inclusive Livelihoods: TESDA and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) are joining forces to provide specialized skills training and livelihood assistance to Persons Who Use Drugs (PWUDs), recovering clients, and PDEA-assisted communities.
- E-Mobility: Engagement with the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) will align national training standards with the fast-growing electric vehicle and e-mobility sector.
- Digital & Tech Integration: A partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) introduces free cloud computing and artificial intelligence training courses directly into the TESDA Online Program.
Key leaders representing these organizations signed the agreements alongside Secretary Benitez, including officials from DA-BFAR, IPA, PASSFI, PDEA, PCORP, EVAP, and AWS.
Emphasizing that these agreements extend beyond mere paperwork, Secretary Benitez expressed optimism about their practical execution.
“We look forward to seeing how these MOAs and MOUs translate into actual results, concrete programs, and ultimately, quality jobs and livelihood opportunities for as many Filipinos as possible,” Benitez concluded.