The Baguio City government is pushing for closer coordination with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to ensure that more local residents can benefit from scholarship opportunities and technical skills training programs offered in the city.
During the executive-legislative meeting held at city hall on May 18, Mayor Benjamin Magalong urged TESDA Cordillera Regional Director Glenn Murphy to immediately relay information about upcoming programs and training activities to the local government so these could be properly communicated to residents. The mayor also requested that qualified Baguio residents be prioritized whenever scholarship slots and training programs are conducted within the city.
Magalong further proposed that the city government be included in the selection and assessment process for scholars to help guarantee that local beneficiaries are given fair access to available opportunities.
RELATED: [New ‘Juana Creatives’ TESDA Hub Lets Filipinos Explore Creative Careers]
Baguio Remains Key TVET Hub in Cordillera
TESDA, which is tasked with strengthening technical education and skills development nationwide, continues to play a major role in preparing workers for changing labor market demands and improving workforce competitiveness.
During his presentation, Murphy highlighted Baguio’s importance as a technical-vocational education and training (TVET) center in the Cordillera Region. The city currently hosts 57 out of the region’s 88 technical vocational institutions and 14 of its 29 assessment centers.
Murphy also revealed that the Cordillera region has been allotted P115,137,729 for TESDA scholarship programs in 2026. Of the total amount, Baguio received the largest allocation at P54,279,398, accounting for 47.14 percent of the regional budget. The city was also assigned 1,575 scholarship slots.
Programs covered under the TVET initiative include the Training for Work Scholarship Program, Tulong Trabaho Scholarship Program, Private Education Student Financial Assistance, Special Training for Employment Program, and the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. TESDA also continues to offer online learning opportunities and community-based training activities under the Seal of Good Local Governance initiative.
City Seeks Stronger Collaboration and Expanded Facilities
Murphy reported that Baguio currently has 967 enrolled scholars, along with 49 graduates, 24 assessed scholars, and 18 certified scholars.
TESDA is also advocating for its inclusion in the Local School Board to improve coordination on workforce development and educational programs. The agency is additionally proposing the integration of TVET projects into local development and investment plans to ensure long-term funding and implementation support.
Aside from scholarship expansion, Murphy requested assistance from the city government for the planned establishment of a TESDA regional training center in Baguio, along with additional funding support for future scholarship and skills training programs.
For many Filipinos, especially young people seeking stable employment opportunities, technical-vocational training continues to provide a practical pathway toward jobs and livelihood. In Baguio and across the Cordillera region, stronger partnerships between local governments and TESDA could help produce more skilled workers, improve employability, and support economic growth within local communities.
RELATED: [This New TESDA App Could Be Your Shortcut To Jobs And Free Training]
