President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced a record-high allocation of nearly ₱19 billion for the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) scholarship programs this year.
Speaking at the TESDA Ilocos Norte National Certification II mass graduation in Laoag City, President Marcos underscored that the record funding aims to broaden vocational training access and enhance employment prospects across the country.
The ceremony, held at the Ilocos Norte National High School Gymnasium, celebrated around 1,150 graduates completing NC II courses in dressmaking and bartending.
“Ngayong taon, binigyan natin ang TESDA ng pinakamalaking budget sa kasaysayan nito,” Marcos stated. “Halos ₱19 bilyon ang inilaan natin para sa mga scholarship program upang mas maraming Pilipino pa ang magkaroon ng pagkakataong matuto at magkaroon ng magandang hanapbuhay.”
The President emphasized that investing in workforce upskilling yields long-term socio-economic benefits.
“Kapag namumuhunan tayo sa kakayahan ng Pilipino, namumuhunan tayo sa mas matatag na pamilya, mas masiglang ekonomiya, at mas magandang kinabukasan ng bansa,” he noted.
To match technical education with current industry demands, the administration is expanding initiatives such as the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) framework, the Tulong Trabaho Scholarship Program, and the TESDA Online Program for remote learners.
Further developments include the Technical-Vocational Education and Training for Social Equity Program and an upgraded micro-credentialing system for fast-tracked certification.
“Bahagi lang ang mga programang ito ng ating layuning magbukas ng mas maraming oportunidad para sa bawat Pilipinong handang magsikap para umasenso,” Marcos added, expressing gratitude to trainers and private partners while encouraging graduates to leverage their new credentials for future career growth.