THE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority renewed its commitment to provide high-quality and relevant technical vocational education and training to the Filipino workforce as the country continues to attract foreign investments.

TESDA Director General Suharto Mangudadatu lauded President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent European trip to strengthen bilateral ties.

“We are committed to nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential and land jobs in this ever-changing landscape of the workplace,” Mangudadatu said, noting that the President’s recent trip will help create more jobs and improve the country’s economy.

According to the Presidential Communications Office, the President has secured USD 4 billion worth of investment deals and a memorandum of understanding promoting trade and investment during his working visit to Germany and state visit to the Czech Republic.

For the labor sector, in which TESDA plays a vital role, several agreements were signed during the President’s trip.

These are the Cooperation Programme between TESDA and the German Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training, and the Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Labor Consultations Mechanism between Philippine and Czech labor agencies.

The agreement between TESDA and GFIVET aims to provide reskilling and upskilling of Filipino workers on digitalization and green economy, research and development, and innovations, among others.

Mangudadatu also shared that TESDA has been initiating programs to strengthen the country’s TVET sector and prepare for the demand for skilled workers as a result of the President’s foreign trips.

TESDA has introduced its “TESDA sa Barangay” program that institutionalizes the provision of training programs at the barangay level to benefit more Filipinos.

The agency also launched the National Technical Education and Skills Development Plan 2023-2028 with the theme, “MaGaling at MakaBagong TVET para sa Bagong Pilipinas: TVET as Pathway to Recovery and Social-Economic Transformation”, which embodies the government’s commitment to a more inclusive and proactive approach to nurturing a globally competitive workforce.

Further, TESDA has also been entering into various partnerships with local and international stakeholders to reinforce tech-voc training in the country.

Likewise, the agency is pushing for the embedment of TVET in all of the Senior High School academic tracks. Last February 27, Mangudadatu shared this proposal during the sectoral meeting presided over by the President in Malacañang.

The proposed embedment of relevant TVET Training Regulations in the Senior High School curriculum is aimed at enhancing performance tasks to better prepare students for the real world of work.

“We recognize the vital role that education plays in unlocking opportunities, enhancing livelihoods, and driving economic growth. We are committed to providing lifelong learning opportunities, career guidance, and support services to our graduates, enabling them to embark on pathways to success and contributing meaningfully to society,” Mangudadatu said.

It can be recalled that in July 2023, Mangudadatu joined President Marcos in his state visit to Malaysia to harness the potential of a revitalized relationship between the two countries which includes the halal industry in which TESDA is integrating into the TVET.

Further, last October 2023, the TESDA chief also joined the President in his state visit to Saudi Arabia to enhance the two nations’ bilateral relations.