PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) – The Technical Education And Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-9 urged private technical vocational institutions to update and align their programs with current industry demands and technological advancements.
During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas press conference, Provincial Director Omarkhayyam I. Dalagan emphasized the importance of offering new qualifications that will equip workers for the future.
“We encourage our private institutions to offer new programs that meet the needs of both the industry and emerging technologies,” he said.
He highlighted fields such as the Internet of Things (IoT), programming, animation, and graphic arts, which are expected to be in high demand by 2025.
TESDA is focusing on adapting vocational education to future trends, reducing emphasis on outdated programs, and placing greater importance on modern fields that align with technological advancements.
“This shift is crucial. We need to move away from 20th-century qualifications and align our training with the industries of tomorrow,” Dalagan explained.
Zamboanga, recently recognized as one of the Philippines’ smart cities, underlined the urgency of updating educational programs. The city, which is rapidly evolving a digital economy, requires a workforce skilled in Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Yet, many local vocational programs still focus on computer systems servicing, which falls short of meeting the city’s growing demand for qualified ICT professionals.
“We need skilled animators, web developers, and other ICT professionals to help drive our digital economy,” Dalagan noted.
In light of this, TESDA is encouraging institutions to introduce programs in areas such as animation (NC II & III), web development, and mobile app development. With this, TESDA hoped to better prepare Filipinos for the demands of future industries, especially as smart cities like Zamboanga continue to develop.
TESDA is calling for a transformation in the vocational education sector, urging institutions to focus on modern skills that will ensure a competitive workforce in the digital age. (EDT/HTB/KCH/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur)
