THE TECHNICAL Education and Skills Development Authority plans to construct a technical vocational education and training innovation center inside the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.

Last August 8, TESDA Director General Suharto Mangudadatu, together with Deputy Director General Aniceto Bertiz III, met with Clark Development Corporation President and Executive Officer Agnes Devanadera to discuss partnerships to strengthen tech-voc training in the region, and the possible establishment of the Regional TVET Innovation Center inside the Clark Freeport Zone.

Mangudadatu said the innovation center will be built with the help of the Asian Development Bank through the Supporting Innovation in the Philippine Technical and Vocational Education and Training System Project.

The project aims to support the modernization of the Philippine TVET system so that it can respond effectively to an increasingly globalized, technology- and knowledge-driven market. It will also further improve the quality of skilling programs, upgrade training facilities and equipment, and build the capacity of trainers.

“Having the RTIC inside the Clark Economic Zone will locate it strategically to serve the medium-term and future skills demands of commercial, manufacturing, and trading establishments of the CFZ, of the region, and of the country, as a whole,” the TESDA chief said.

Once operational, the innovation center will offer various courses in robotics, mechatronics, and smart health care, among others. It is set to provide a continuous stream of qualified workers to the more than 30,000 jobs that are projected to be created as the CFZ expands as a hub for business, industry, aviation, education and tourism.

At present, there are four TESDA innovation centers located in Isabela, Cebu, Northern Samar, and Zamboanga Sibugay.