The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Education (DepEd) are strengthening ties to enhance their technical-vocational (tech-voc) education programs and expand students’ access to skills training.
TESDA, as part of the Curriculum Consultative Committee as identified in Section 6 of Republic Act 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, contributes to the continuing implementation of the K to 12 program through DepEd’s Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) specialization track for the Senior High School level.
During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on December 17, TESDA MIMAROPA Acting Assistant Regional Director Ben-hur Baniqued shared how the partnership will address the growing demand for a skilled workforce, improve learning outcomes, and align education with industry needs.
Baniqued said that tech-voc education is significant in the development of the region’s economy, particularly in sectors like agriculture, tourism, construction, and information technology. However, despite the significant demand for skilled workers, many students still face challenges in accessing and completing tech-voc training programs.
“Tinitiyak namin na ang mga mag-aaral ay mas handa hindi lamang sa mga practical skills kundi pati na rin sa academic knowledge sa pamamagitan ng pakikipagtulungan sa DepEd. Ang aming layunin ay tiyakin na ang mga mag-aaral sa MIMAROPA ay hindi lamang handa para sa trabaho, but are also armed with the latest skills na kinakailangan ng industries,” he said.
TESDA and DepEd are working together to expand access to tech-voc programs in MIMAROPA by integrating skills training to the senior high school curriculum.
Baniqued pointed out that this initiative would allow students to gain industry-relevant skills while still in school, helping them transition smoothly into employment or further training.
“Through this partnership, we aim to offer a seamless pathway for students from the classroom to the workplace. We can prepare students earlier for the workforce and ensure they have the hands-on experience that is crucial in today’s job market by incorporating tech-voc education into the senior high school program,” said Baniqued.
Also, both TESDA and DepEd are working to strengthen partnerships with local industries to ensure that the curriculum aligns with the skills needed by businesses. This alignment is particularly important in a region like MIMAROPA, where the economy relies heavily on agriculture and tourism, sectors that require specialized technical skills.
Baniqued said that the partnership between TESDA and DepEd will also focus on tailoring tech-voc programs to the specific needs of the MIMAROPA region, stressing that regional industries such as agriculture, hospitality, and construction require skilled workers, but the skill sets demanded are often unique to the area.
“We’re not just focusing on generic training. We’re working with local businesses to ensure that our programs are relevant to the industries in MIMAROPA. For example, sa agriculture, we’re developing courses in modern farming techniques, organic farming, and agricultural mechanization. In tourism, we’re offering training in hospitality management, tourism promotion, and culinary arts, all tailored to our region’s resources,” he said.
He also pointed out that by customizing the curriculum to meet local needs, the program not only helps students secure employment in their communities but also fosters local economic growth.
“When we train people in the skills that are in demand here in MIMAROPA, direkta tayong nakakatulong sa paglikha ng trabaho at pagpapabuti ng ating lokal na ekonomiya,” he added.
Baniqued is optimistic that the collaboration between TESDA and DepEd will have a lasting impact on the region’s workforce.
“Tech-voc education is a key to unlocking better opportunities for our youth and by collaborating with DepEd, we are providing them with more pathways to success. We are committed to ensuring that the youth of MIMAROPA have the skills they need to thrive in today’s competitive job market,” Baniqued said. (ALG/PIA MIMAROPA-Oriental Mindoro)
