In response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s renewed focus on technical-vocational education and training (TVET), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is broadening its efforts to bridge basic education, higher learning, and job opportunities.
TESDA Director General Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez revealed that the agency is actively working alongside the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to build a unified system under the Marcos administration’s “One Education” framework.
“Technical vocational education opens different opportunities. Employment, business, continuing education. All these can begin with TESDA. Under the presidency of PBBM [President Marcos], together with DepEd and CHED, we are building seamless pathways from skills training to work and further education. We are advancing a vision where the Marcos administration may be remembered as a golden age of education reform,” Benitez said.
High Placement Rates and Senior High School Integration
During his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27, President Marcos highlighted the critical role of TVET programs in boosting employment and lifelong learning, noting an 81% employment rate for technical-vocational graduates.
“Our technical vocational education and training programs are also proving effective. At present, the placement rate of those who complete technical vocational courses has reached 81%. A TVET graduate can use his or her National Certificate as a foundation to continue studying until earning a college diploma,” Marcos had said.
To further support this, TESDA is driving the integration of technical-vocational tracks into Senior High School (SHS):
- Free Competency Assessments: Over 369,000 SHS graduates have earned National Certificates at no cost since the program launched in 2024.
- TechPro Track: An initiative designed to equip students with market-relevant skills, preparing them for work, business ventures, or further studies.
Digital Services and Agency Partnerships
The President also lauded the “TESDA Skills Passport,” a digital tool that enables users to manage their credentials, apply for scholarships, and map out their educational and career development.
“The TESDA Passport, which resulted from the digitalization of your services, is a great help,” he said.
To enhance public access to skills training and career opportunities, TESDA is also collaborating with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Together, the agencies aim to make training programs, scholarship details, and employment services more accessible, ensuring the workforce remains adaptable to evolving market demands.