San Fernando City, La Union (PIA) – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) continues to champion workforce readiness in the Philippines through innovative and future-focused training programs, driving the nation toward its development goals while enhancing the employability and competitiveness of Filipino workers.
TESDA-La Union Acting Provincial Director Crescencia Boac underscored the agency’s commitment to modernizing training methods to address evolving industry needs.
“We are integrating advanced technologies and methodologies into our training programs to ensure they are efficient, relevant, and comprehensive,” Boac said.
Boac adds that the agency’s use of cutting-edge technologies includes the use of virtual reality in skills training for construction and automotive sectors, and artificial intelligence (AI) in logistics and healthcare simulations.
TESDA is proactively adapting its curriculum to align with Industry 4.0 standards, updating training programs in key sectors such as Information and Communication Technology (ICT), manufacturing, and agriculture. These updates incorporate digital literacy, automation, and sustainable practices to equip the Filipino workforce for technological advancements shaping global industries.
Industry 4.0, the new phase of the industrial revolution, focuses on interconnectivity, automation, machine learning, and real-time data. Its use in logistics enhances supply chain management by optimizing routes and inventories.
“Our goal is to prepare a workforce that is not only skilled but also adaptable to the technological advancements reshaping global industries,” Boac says.
TESDA’s targeted initiatives in sectors like heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), renewable energy, and ICT are designed to address specific skills gaps identified in partnership with industry stakeholders.
These programs aim to produce a new generation of technicians, developers, and operators equipped to support the country’s infrastructure needs and green energy goals.
TESDA’s success is further strengthened by partnerships with local governments, private enterprises, and international organizations, such as collaborating with Siemens Philippines. These collaborations ensure that TESDA’s training programs remain globally competitive and responsive to employer demands locally and abroad, preparing Filipino workers for current and future industry requirements.
Director Boac shares success stories from local communities where TESDA graduates have successfully launched businesses or improved their employment status, thus contributing to regional economic development.
“In regions like Pangasinan, our graduates from agricultural training programs have significantly increased crop yields using the advanced techniques learned at TESDA,” Boac mentions.
Similarly, in Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, TESDA graduates have leveraged their training to improve operations in small-scale manufacturing and renewable energy sectors, demonstrating the broad impact of our programs across various industries in the region.
Looking ahead, TESDA is committed to expanding the reach of its training programs through the TESDA Online Program (TOP), which will soon offer more courses in languages other than English to increase accessibility for all Filipinos.
“We are also planning to launch mobile training units to reach remote areas, ensuring no one is left behind,” Boac elaborates.
As TESDA continues to innovate and adapt, it solidifies its role as a key driver in achieving the country’s development goals by preparing a workforce that is skilled, competitive, and ready for the future. (CMT/AIHR/PIA Region 1)
