TESDA Director-General Highlights Growth and Funding Challenges in Technical Education

The Director-General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Jose Francisco Benitez, has expressed optimism about the continued growth of the country's technical and vocational education programs. This statement was made during his visit to the newly inaugurated TESDA-accredited training center at Santo Tomas Technological International School in Santo Tomas, Isabela, on September 21.

Benitez highlighted the country’s focus on providing up-to-date training in fields such as caregiving, early childhood development, computer servicing, tourism, and agri-business. He emphasized that TESDA graduates are equipped with practical skills tailored to meet the demands of the local job market.

"Technical and vocational education is a vital component of the employment ecosystem, generating more opportunities for Filipino workers," Benitez said. He underscored the agency's commitment to advancing skills development as a pathway to career readiness, prioritizing qualifications over traditional degrees.

However, the TESDA chief also pointed out the agency's financial limitations. Despite a substantial nationwide budget of approximately four billion pesos for 2025, this amount represents only around two percent of the Department of Education's 749-million-peso allocation. Benitez called on legislators to increase funding for technical-vocational education to expand skills development initiatives.

Furthermore, he noted that TESDA’s efforts align with the Philippine Qualifications Framework, which aims to standardize entry requirements across the country’s education and training systems.

The new facilities at Santo Tomas Technological International School will serve as a crucial center for national certificate training, providing an enhanced learning environment for students in the region.