Digital or Dust: Why the Skills Passport is Non-Negotiable

The launch of the TESDA Skills Passport marks a critical pivot in Philippine education governance. By putting credentials on the blockchain, the Marcos administration is acknowledging that the future of work is digital, portable, and borderless.

The PHP 1 trillion allocation for education is a massive bet on human capital. However, money alone doesn't solve systemic issues—efficiency does. This app addresses the friction in the labor market. We are now faced with a clear choice: either we fully adopt this digital credentialing system, or we accept that our workforce will remain stagnant and uncompetitive globally. There is no middle ground in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Critics may argue about internet accessibility, but the trajectory is clear. If we allow verified digital credentials to proliferate, soon enough, we will see the complete eradication of fake diplomas and resume fraud across all industries. This optimism drives the administration's push. The Skills Passport is not just an app; it is a signal to foreign investors that the Filipino workforce is verifiable, skilled, and ready for business.