THE TECHNICAL Education and Skills Development Authority and the Philippine Business for Education renewed their partnership to strengthen workforce development programs and policies in the country.

TESDA Director General Danilo Cruz and PBEd Board of Trustees member George Barcelon signed a memorandum of agreement at the TESDA Central Office in Taguig City.

The partnership aims to continue providing technical vocational training and employment opportunities for unemployed and out-of-school youth, or youth not in employment, education, or training.

It also promotes the establishment of industry boards and sector skills councils and greater involvement in the implementation of the Philippine Qualifications Framework to address the job-skills mismatch in the country.

Cruz emphasized the vital role of the PBEd in delivering TESDA’s programs and services to Filipinos, especially in implementing its thrust for Global Competitiveness and Workforce Readiness and Social Equity for Workforce Inclusion and Poverty Reduction.

“With this, the technical vocational education and training will be more responsive to the demands of the economy and will enhance employment opportunities of our fellow Filipinos especially the youth, not in education, education or training,” Cruz said.