SENATOR Loren Legarda has filed a measure seeking to modernize the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), aiming to align the agency’s structure and programs with the changing demands of the global labor market and the principles of lifelong learning.

Under Senate Bill No. 1413, or the proposed Modernizing the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Act, Legarda seeks to amend and update Republic Act No. 7796, or the TESDA Act of 1994, which established the agency three decades ago.

Legarda said the proposed modernization is necessary to ensure TESDA remains responsive, industry-driven, and forward-looking amid rapid technological advancements and workforce transformations.

“Thirty years after the TESDA Act of 1994, the charter requires updating to meet the evolving demands of education and the labor market,” Legarda said in her explanatory note.

“This bill seeks to modernize TESDA by aligning its mandate with lifelong learning, higher-level skills development, and the pursuit of a quality-assured workforce,” she added.

The proposed legislation introduces a comprehensive restructuring of TESDA’s governance and operations, including:

• The creation of a Board of Advisers as the policy and oversight body;
• The strengthening of the roles of the Director-General and Deputy Directors-General; and
• The reorganization of the TESDA Secretariat into specialized offices for planning, accreditation, standards-setting, enterprise-based education, and local skills development.

It also guarantees plantilla protection for TESDA employees and ensures compliance with the Salary Standardization Law.

To further empower industries, the bill mandates the establishment of industry boards that will participate directly in setting competency standards and training priorities.

It also recognizes alternative skills assessment systems, including micro-credentials and digital badges, and provides incentives to encourage greater private sector participation.

Legarda’s measure additionally calls for the devolution of training functions to local government units, the creation of regional skills development centers, and the institutionalization of annual national skills competitions to showcase Filipino talent and technical excellence.

Legarda emphasized that modernizing TESDA is a vital step in preparing Filipino workers for the demands of the digital age and the global economy.