THE TECHNICAL Education and Skills Development Authority recognized its outstanding partners during the 2023 National Kabalikat Awarding Ceremony on August 23 at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

The awardees were private businesses and companies, local government units, the legislative branch, national government agencies, and non-government organizations. They were recognized for their contributions in the promotion and development of TVET in the country.

During the ceremony, which coincided with the agency’s 29th anniversary celebration, TESDA Director-General Suharto Mangudadatu thanked them for their efforts to make TVET accessible and relevant. He also urged them to keep providing services and programs to the Filipino people.

“[Kami ay] nagpupugay at nagpapasalamat mula sa puso ng lahat ng TESDAn, dahil kayo po ay piling-pili upang bigyan ng parangal [at mapasalamatan] namin ang inyong suporta at paggabay sa ating mga kababayan sa ngalan ng technical vocational education and training (TVET),” Mangudadatu said in his message.

In the Industry Category, the awardees include Coca-Cola Far East Limited; Ginebra San Miguel, Inc.; Rocapor’s Farm Learning Site for Practical Agriculture, Inc.; ASTEC Power Phil., Inc.; Filminera Resources Corporation; and, PhilGold Processing and Refining Corporation.

In the Local Government Units Category, TESDA honored the Municipal Government of Diffun, City Government of San Jose Del Monte, Municipal Government of Mogpog, City Government of San Carlos, Municipal Government of Mabini-Bohol, City Government of Ormoc, Municipal Government of Manolo Fortich, City Government of Tacurong, Municipal Government of Kapangan, and Municipal Government of Kitcharao.

In the Legislative Branch Category, TESDA recognized the Ilocos Norte Second Congressional Office, Lone Congressional District of Biñan City, Ako Bicol Party List, and the Office of the District Representative of Makati City – 2nd District.

Senators Loren Legarda, Imee Marcos, and Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, as well as the International Labor Organization, Asian Development Bank, and United States Agency for International Development were also recognized as this year’s Special Kabalikat Awardees for their contributions to Philippine TVET.

“Our partnership with you is evidence that collaboration with shared a goal make remarkable and innovative transformations and accomplishments,” Mangudadatu said.

Each Kabalikat awardee received a certificate and a plaque of recognition from TESDA.