PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday said the government has allocated nearly PHP19 billion for the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s (TESDA) scholarship programs this year, the largest budget in the agency’s history.

Speaking during the TESDA Ilocos Norte National Certification (NC) II mass graduation ceremony at the Ilocos Norte National High School in Laoag City, Marcos said the record funding would expand access to skills training and create better employment opportunities for more Filipinos.

“Nitong nakaraang SONA (State of the Nation Address), sinabi ko na ang pinakamahalagang puhunan ng ating bansa ay ang ating mamamayan (During my last SONA, I stated that our country’s most valuable capital is our people),” he said.

“Kapag namumuhunan tayo sa kakayahan ng Pilipino, namumuhunan tayo sa mas matatag na pamilya, mas masiglang ekonomiya, at mas magandang kinabukasan ng bansa. This year, [binigyan] natin ang TESDA ng pinakamalaking budget sa kasaysayan ng TESDA (When we invest in the capacities of Filipinos, we are investing in stronger families, a more vibrant economy, and a better future for the nation. This year, we gave TESDA the largest budget in its history),” he added.

Marcos said TESDA continues to expand its upskilling initiatives, including the Enterprise-Based Education and Training program, to better prepare graduates for employment.

He added that the government is increasing funding for the Tulong Trabaho Scholarship Program and expanding the TESDA Online Program to benefit students who have difficulty attending in-person training.

The President also said TESDA is strengthening its Technical and Vocational Education and Training programs through micro-credentialing to speed up skills training and certification and ensure Filipino workers meet global standards.

“Bahagi lang ang mga programang ito ng ating layuning magbukas ng mas maraming oportunidad para sa bawat Pilipinong handang magsikap para umasenso (These programs are just part of our goal to open up more opportunities for every Filipino willing to work hard to improve their lives),” he said.

A total of 1,150 TESDA scholars completed NC II training in dressmaking and bartending during the ceremony. The NC II certification recognizes intermediate-level competencies in various trades, helping graduates become more competitive in the job market. (PNA)