President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inspected on Friday the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) training centers in Taguig City, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to ensure globally competitive skills development in the country.
During his visit, President Marcos personally assessed the state of training infrastructure and observed industry-aligned programs to guarantee they meet the highest standard of excellence.
The President, along with Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma and TESDA Director General Jose Francisco Benitez, toured several training facilities such as those for welding, mechatronics, and visual graphics, as well as the Construction Painting of the MuntiParLasTaPat District Training and Assessment Center (MDTAC).
The Chief Executive also inspected the Motorcycle Small Engine Servicing National Certificate (NC) and Car Care Center Automotive Servicing NC training sites, Heat Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) Center, TESDA Women Center, the Barista Competency Assessment, and the Plumbing Workshop.
According to Benitez, the TESDA now has more up-to-date training processes, such as in welding simulation.
Benitez expressed gratitude to President Marcos for visiting their training centers and supporting them in strengthening the Philippines’ technical-vocational education and training (TVET).
“His presence inspires our trainers, trainees, and partners to continue raising the standards of skills development and to deliver training programs that are relevant, inclusive, and globally competitive,” the TESDA chief said.
Benitez also said that President Marcos has consistently expressed strong support for TESDA and its mandate to empower Filipino workers through quality technical-vocational education and training.
Under President Marcos’ administration, several TESDA scholarship programs received significant budget increases, including the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP), Special Training for Employment Program (STEP), Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA), and Tulong Trabaho Scholarship Program.
“These investments have allowed TESDA to open more scholarship slots, accommodate new learners, and provide full training support,” said Benitez.
Since President Marcos took office in 2022, TESDA has had around 5 million enrollees, of which 4.5 million have graduated.
Benitez also noted how incredibly competitive TESDA trainees are, noting that many countries demand a workforce with National Certificates (NCs).
Recently, TESDA trainee Hannah Krystelle Caintic won a gold medal in Graphic Design Technology category at the WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025 competition held in Pasay City last August 25 to 30. | PND
