THE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority remains the most approved and most trusted government agency, based on a recent survey

According to PUBLICUS Asia Inc.’s Pahayag 2024 First Quarter Survey, TESDA stands out as the most approved and trusted government agency, with approval and trust ratings of 71 percent and 59 percent, respectively.

TESDA Director General Suharto Mangudadatu attributed the agency’s maintaining its high approval and trust ratings to the integration of “lingap” in the programs and services it has been giving to the public.

“We have worked hard to give as many Filipinos easier and better access to quality-assured technical vocational education and training. Since I assumed my post as TESDA’s Secretary, we have also aspired and ensured to provide public service with a heart, aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s brand of governance and leadership ‘Bagong Pilipinas’,” the TESDA chief shared.

In line with this thrust, TESDA has recently introduced the “TESDA Sa Barangay” program which aims to extend the reach of the agency to the barangays, and to mainstream TVET at the community level to benefit more Filipinos.

Likewise, the agency is pushing for the embedment of tech-voc training in all Senior High School tracks to improve their employability and promote lifelong learning. The plan was presented to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. last February 27 in Malacañang.

“TESDA has successfully reached millions by providing inclusive and free tech-voc training nationwide in various training modalities,” Secretary Mangudadatu emphasized.

Meanwhile, in the approval ratings, TESDA was followed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines with 67 percent. Other government agencies that garnered high approval ratings include the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the Department of Science and Technology, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development with a 62 percent approval rating.

Further, for the trust ratings, TESDA was also followed by the AFP with a 55 percent trust rating, the Department of Education with 50 percent, and the BSP and CHED with a 49 percent rating.

In 2023, TESDA was consistently at the top of the PUBLICUS Asia surveys. The Pahayag 2024 First Quarter survey was conducted from March 14 to 19 with 1,500 respondents nationwide.