The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is seeking additional funds in 2026 to expand its programs and meet the country’s rising demand for skilled workers.
TESDA Director General Jose Francisco Benitez said the agency requires around 45,000 more personnel with technical-vocational expertise in areas such as caregiving, computer servicing, and early childhood development. He raised the concern during his visit to the newly built national certificate training-accredited center at Santo Tomas Technological International School in Santo Tomas, Isabela last September 21.
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Push for Greater Investment in Training
Benitez emphasized that TESDA’s current budget of P4 billion is modest compared to the Department of Education’s P793 billion allocation. He expressed confidence, however, that investments in technical and vocational education, covering fields like caregiving, agribusiness, tourism, and information technology, will receive stronger support in the coming year.
He explained that TESDA’s programs are aligned with the Philippine Qualifications Framework, ensuring that trainees gain up-to-date skills tailored to the needs of local industries. This alignment, he said, helps graduates transition smoothly into in-demand jobs.
Workplace-Linked Learning
The TESDA chief also underscored the value of linking classrooms with workplaces through industry partnerships. “Bringing the workplace to the classroom and the classroom to the workplace” was how he described the model, noting that practical training in actual job settings remains essential in preparing graduates.
Benitez further encouraged enterprise-based training approaches in provinces such as Isabela, highlighting the potential for stronger collaboration between government, schools, and private investors.
During his inspection of the Santo Tomas facility, he reiterated that national certificates play a crucial role in addressing the country’s skills gap, bridging education with immediate employment opportunities. TESDA, he said, is committed to advancing development through vocational skills training alongside its call for greater financial support.
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