THE TECHNICAL Education and Skills Development Authority conducted a national industry forum to strengthen its partnership with stakeholders.

More than 600 participants attended the event themed “Bridging Skills Supply and Demand Gaps through the Industry Tie-ups.”

The forum featured speakers from TESDA and industry partners who shared their experiences in the implementation of technical and vocational education and training in the new normal.

The forum aimed to encourage the participation of more partners to engage in the provision of quality tech-voc in the country.

In his speech, TESDA chief Isidro Lapeña noted the importance of partnerships not just with the industry and employers, but also with those who are in the legislature and local government units.

“Our coordination and cooperation among all these sectors help make Philippine TVET as responsive and dynamic as possible,” Lapeña said.

He shared that the agency shifted from supply-driven to demand-driven and area-based TVET to make it more responsive to the critical needs of the industries and stakeholders.

“This strategic shift puts premium importance on the stakeholders, as we move to establish not just partnerships, but lasting relationship with our partners. Through the delivery of programs according to area-based priority needs, we can further enhance the employability and productivity of our graduates,” Lapeña said.

Meanwhile, Senator Joel Villanueva, who  served as TESDA director general from 2010 to 2015, said that industry partners have been the “game changers” in Philippine TVET.

“I personally witnessed the power of our industries not only in harnessing tech-voc training but in ensuring that it is connected to jobs and actual business and employment opportunities for our people,” he said.