San Fernando City, La Union (PIA) – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) showcased its progress in empowering Filipinos through technical-vocational education and skills training in the Ilocos Region during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, held in San Fernando City, La Union on Dec. 17.
TESDA Acting Provincial Director of La Union Crescencia Buac shared the agency’s achievements, including significant strides in implementing its Test the Best 8-Point Agenda. The agenda, introduced under TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco Kiko Benitez, focuses on improving access to quality Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), enhancing employment outcomes, and boosting global competitiveness.
Buac reported that from January 2022 to November 2024, TESDA Ilocos Region has trained 260,708 individuals, with 227,416 graduates and 157,757 national certificate holders, marking a high certification success rate.
TESDA’s scholarship programs, such as the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP), Special Training for Employment Program (STEP), and Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA), are empowering local communities, with the TESDA Region 1 securing a P1.23 billion scholarship fund for 2024, benefiting 48,327 individuals across the provinces.
Agriculture remains a priority sector for TESDA, with programs supporting rice and coconut farmers through skills training in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA).
TESDA Region 1 also developed four new local competency standards: wind turbine maintenance, cacao processing, cocoon production, and plant tissue culture, addressing emerging needs in the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Pangasinan.
TESDA delivers programs through community-based training, reaching marginalized sectors, including senior citizens, PWDs, and former rebels.
“By engaging with local government units (LGUs), TESDA ensures that our training programs are aligned with the specific needs of our communities, maximizing the impact and relevance of our initiatives,” Buac emphasized.
To address modern challenges, TESDA promotes the TESDA Online Program (TOP), offering over 160 free online courses accessible nationwide. Buac highlighted that the platform is self-paced and flexible, enabling learners to balance training with daily responsibilities.
TESDA Region 1’s dedication to excellence was recognized during the 2024 Philippine National Skills Competition, where it secured two gold medals in hairdressing and beauty therapy. These achievements advance the region’s preparation for hosting the 2025 World Skills Competition.
Buac also encouraged Filipinos to use TESDA’s programs to upskill and contribute to national development.
“TESDA remains committed to providing accessible and high-quality skills training for a better, stronger Bagong Pilipinas,” she said.
By integrating practical skills development with the Test the Best 8-Point Agenda, TESDA’s efforts contribute significantly to local development by enhancing job readiness among the youth, improving productivity in key sectors, and supporting local industries to compete globally. (CCMT/AIHR/PIA Region 1)
