TECHNICAL Education and Skills Development Authority Secretary Suharto Mangudadatu bared the agency’s accomplishments in improving the technical-vocational sector during his first 100 days as director general.

Suharto said during his term, the agency revised its slogan to “Sa TESDA, Lingap Ay Maaasahan.”

The new slogan demonstrates TESDA’s stronger advocacy to provide even better access to quality and globally competitive tech-voc to Filipinos.

He also shared that TESDA remained committed to its quality management with its three core processes such as Standards Development, Program Registration, and Assessment and Certification are ISO 9001:2015 certified.

In his first 100 days, the TESDA chief approved the leadership map of the agency for its provincial directors, which experience were the basis in the assignment of its directors.

Committed to reaching more Filipinos through tech-voc, the Secretary also reported that as of September, TESDA recorded 1,008,059 enrolled and 872,709 graduates of tech-voc courses. Furthermore, 760,180 workers have been assessed and 706,304 certified.

According to the TESDA chief, the Supporting Innovation in Philippine TVET System project – a loan with the Asian Development Bank is underway.

Under the project 17 innovation centers will be established to modernize the country’s TVET system for a tech-driven job market, improving program quality, and facilities, and empowering trainers.

Moreover, the agency also adopted the Extended Reality technology in the implementation of training and assessment. Private companies such as First Balfour, Inc., FELTA Academy, Hytec Power Inc., Lincoln Electric, and TESDA’s Regional Training Center – NCR are few of the early adaptors of XR technology in TVET.

“This technology promises a more immersive and interactive learning experience for our trainees. I urge more TVET providers to follow the lead of those who have already embraced this technology.,” the TESDA chief said.

As part of its 29th-anniversary celebration, TESDA, with the support of the United States Agency for International Development, developed and launched the National Technical Education and Skills Development Plan 2023-2028, the national blueprint for the technical vocational education and training sector.

The NTESDP 2023-2028 embodies the government’s commitment to a more inclusive and proactive approach to nurturing a globally competitive workforce while driving economic growth through continuous skilling, reskilling, and upskilling within the framework of lifelong learning.

TESDA has also continued to forge partnerships with other government agencies and the private sector to ensure that its training is aligned with what the industry needs.

It signed various memoranda of agreement with companies including the San Miguel Corporation, People Management Association of the Philippines, Coca-Cola Philippines, and Microsoft Philippines. Likewise, it partnered with the Philippine Constructors Association, Inc., the Tourism Industry Board Foundation, Inc., the IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines, Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc., and Philippine Cacao Industry Association.

Mangudadatu also highlighted one of the programs in his 10-point priority agenda, the TESDA sa Barangay. According to him, this initiative is part of the agency’s devolution strategy.

“Through the TESDA sa Barangay, we shall engage with the LGUs and expand our services at the grassroots level. The CTECs (Community Training and Employment Coordinators) shall play a key role as the TVET advocate and local catalysts between TESDA and the LGU in responding to the local skills needs and shall serve as essential conduits for technical education and training in the locality,” he said.

“The TESDA sa Barangay goes beyond mere skills training – it is a catalyst for creating jobs and community enterprises. It is about empowering individuals and improving their quality of life,” he added.