The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is set to tackle the growing issue of job skills mismatch in the MIMAROPA region.
TESDA MIMAROPA Acting Assistant Regional Director Ben-hur Baniqued said the region faces significant challenges in aligning the skills of its workforce with the demands of local industries.
During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas of the Philippine Information Agency on December 17, Baniqued emphasized the need for immediate action to bridge the skills gap, which has been a persistent issue in MIMAROPA for years.
Baniqued highlighted that while the region has a growing number of skilled workers, many individuals are still not prepared for the evolving needs of industries such as agriculture, construction, tourism, and information technology.
“We have a significant number of technical-vocational graduates, but many are not being matched to the right industries. This mismatch results in underemployment, and in some cases, workers leave for other regions to find better opportunities,” he explained.
Baniqued added that one of the main reasons behind this challenge is the lack of coordinated efforts between industries and training institutions in the region.
“There is a need for a more seamless partnership between local businesses, industry leaders, and educational institutions to ensure that the training we offer is directly aligned with the labor market’s needs,” he said.
TESDA has outlined several initiatives to improve its programs and increase workforce readiness in the region to address the skills mismatch. One of the key strategies is enhancing the quality of its training centers, ensuring that graduates are not only skilled but also possess the right qualifications and certifications that industries are looking for.
“We are looking at upgrading our existing training centers and introducing more industry-specific courses to provide learners with skills that are in high demand. We are also collaborating with local government units and private sector partners to identify the most urgent skill requirements, enabling us to tailor our programs accordingly,” he said.
Baniqued also cited that TESDA is working on improving its online learning platforms to cater to a wider audience, especially in remote areas of the region.
“Digital platforms are becoming a tool in our mission to deliver quality skills training. We can reach more people, especially those who may not have easy access to physical training centers by enhancing our e-learning programs,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Baniqued remains optimistic about the future, noting that TESDA is committed to continuously improving its services and programs.
“Our goal is not just to provide training but to ensure that every graduate is employable, contributing to the local economy, and helping to address the region’s growth needs,” said Baniqued. (AS/PIA MIMAROPA-Oriental Mindoro)
