PRESIDENT Juan Miguel Zubiri asked the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority or TESDA to step up in preparing the Filipino workforce for the expected influx of foreign companies once Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 is approved by Congress and enacted into law.

“Malaking bagay ‘yung TESDA kapag na-amend natin ‘yung konstitusyon na may foreign investments freely flowing into the Philippines lalo na sa manufacturing,” Zubiri said.

The Senate leader cited as an example the partnership created by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with US equity firm Cerberus and South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in Subic Bay, which is seen to enable the Philippines to regain its footing in the shipbuilding industry.

“You need to step up your game, because once this opens, more investments will come to the Philippines. Kayo ang magiging leader nitong explosion na ito when we talk about training new skills to our Filipino workers,” he added.

During the consultation on RBH 6, TESDA La Union Regional Training Center Administrator Artemio Pulido expressed support for the proposed amendments, particularly on allowing full foreign ownership in higher education.

Pulido believes that the proposed amendment on higher education has long been overdue.

“As far as TESDA is concerned, specifically our training centers, we always see to it that our graduates always have the most advanced technology,” Pulido assured.

“In order for us to do that, we are sending our trainers, and even students, in international training centers to get the expertise para pagbalik po nila, so they will be able to share what they have gained in these international training institutions,” he said.

If RBH 6 will be approved and allow international training institutions to operate in the country, Pulido said they also expect local skilled workers to be trained on the latest technology and become more competitive in the international labor market.