The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority honored its partners from various sectors, including Sen. Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go, for their significant contributions in technical education and skills development in the country.

At the annual Kabalikat Awards, TESDA named Go as the 2021 National Kabalikat Special Awardee for Mr. Malasakit’s ‘Bisyo ang Magserbisyo’ advocacy, specifically his never-ending support for the advancement of Technical Vocational Education and Training.

“Through his unwavering assistance, TESDA was able to establish the much-needed infrastructure and increase its human resource complement for the delivery of relevant, efficient, accessible, and high-quality technical education and skills development, thereby strengthening the ability of the Filipino workforce to adapt to the demands of the changing industry environment,” the agency said.

Meanwhile, TESDA awarded the 2021 National Kabalikat Award to the provincial governments of Pangasinan, Tarlac, Davao Oriental, and Benguet as well as the city governments of Lipa in Batangas, Roxas in Oriental Mindoro, Ligao in Albay, and Ormoc in Leyte; and the municipal governments of Baggao in Cagayan, Loboc in Bohol, Pigcawayan in Cotabato and Navotas Vocational Training and Assessment Institute.

TESDA also cited the Philippine Contractors Association, Tourism Industry Board Foundation, Inc., Diffun Saranay and Development Cooperative, Astec Power Philippines, Inc., Jopats Hotel and Resort, Filminera Resources Corporation and Philgold Processing and Refining Corporation, Isuzu Motors Limited, Permex Producer and Exporter Corporation, Octa-M Farm Products, and Cosmic Farm.

It awarded Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez of the 2nd District of Cagayan de Oro, Rep. Lorna Regina ‘Loren’ Legarda of Antique, Rep. Manuel Jose ‘Mannix’ Dalipe of the 2nd District of Zamboanga City, and Rep. Francisco Jose ‘Bingo’ Matugas II of 1st District of Surigao Del Norte.

TESDA Secretary Isidro Lapeña acknowledged the help of the different sectors and thanked them for advancing the TVET in the country.

“The partnerships that we have with various sectors continue to grow, especially now that we have intensified our services to the marginalized and the most disadvantaged areas in the country,” Lapeña said.

“I would like to commend the dedication and commitment of our partners both from the public and private sectors,” he added.