STATE skills training agency Technical Education and Skills Development Authority continues to shine as the most approved and trusted government agency in the Philippines, according to a recent survey by PUBLiCUS Asia Inc.

The agency remains the most approved and trusted government agency for the seventh consecutive quarter with a 72 percent approval rating and 58 percent trust rating, according to the Pahayag Second Quarter 2024 survey.

TESDA Director General Suharto Mangudadatu welcomed the agency’s ratings and attributed these to the agency’s constant improvement of its programs and services, as well as its thrust to reach more citizens.

“TESDA continues to make tech-voc training accessible to Filipinos, enabling them to uplift their lives. We offer our deepest gratitude for your continued trust and support in our initiatives,” Mangudadatu said.

TESDA has introduced its “TESDA Sa Barangay” program which aims to extend the reach of the agency to the barangays, and to empower more Filipinos through skills training in the localities.

Likewise, the agency has also resumed the Overseas Assessment Program to Overseas Filipino Workers in various countries.

TESDA has also been participating in the LAB for All Caravan spearheaded by First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Caravan, where TESDA sets up booths for scholarship applications, and distributes allowances and starter toolkits.

“We are dedicated to increasing enrollment in TVET courses among Filipinos. These courses are designed to align with industry standards, ensuring our graduates are well-prepared for the evolving demands of the workforce,” Mangudadatu said.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines ranked second in the Pahayag survey, receiving an approval rating of 67 percent and a trust rating of 54 percent.

Other notable ratings include Department of Science and Technology at 64 percent approval and 47 percent trust, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas at 61 percent and 49 percent, Department of Social Welfare and Development at 60 percent and 45 percent, Commission on Higher Education 59 percent and 48 percent, Civil Service Commission at 58 percent and 43 percent and Department of Education at 58 percent and 49 percent, Department of Labor and Employment at 56 percent and 44 percent, Department of Health at 55 percent and 43 percent.

The Pahayag Second Quarter 2024 survey was conducted from June 15 to 19 with 1,507 respondents nationwide.