ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) — The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Region 9 is actively advocating for an increase in program slots across the Zamboanga Peninsula to address the growing demand for skilled workers.
Omarkhayyam Dalagan, TESDA-9 Provincial Director for Zamboanga City, highlighted the agency’s achievements, including a network of 389 accredited assessment centers, 616 competency assessors, 172 registered training institutions, and four provincial training centers in the region.
Dalagan emphasized that the region continues to adapt to emerging technologies and evolving skills requirements across various industries. He stressed that training programs should be demand-driven and data-supported to effectively bridge existing skill gaps.
“It is one of our key priorities to provide relevant training based on industry needs, particularly addressing the gaps between the supply and demand for skilled workers,” he said.
In addition, Dalagan discussed plans to expand scholarship training programs in Zamboanga del Norte. He noted that Zamboanga del Norte, the region’s largest and poorest province currently receives the majority of scholarship programs, but the authority aims to advocate for additional slots across the entire Zamboanga Peninsula.
Our available slots in the region are limited, which is why we are pushing for more scholarship opportunities to help alleviate poverty and improve the lives of our people,” Dalagan said.
TESDA-9 is also encouraging out-of-school youth to take advantage of its free technical-vocational education and training (TVET) programs. The agency is committed to empowering individuals by enhancing their skills and providing them with better opportunities for the future.
Sisiguraduhin po namin na kayo ay matutulungan ng TESDA, at gaganda ang inyong buhay. Dahil sa TESDA, maganda ang kinabukasan ninyo,” Dalagan emphasized. (We will ensure that you receive training from TESDA, and your life will improve. Because of TESDA, your future will truly be bright.) (JPA/JFT/PIA-ZAMBOANGA)
