Senate Pro Tempore Loren Legarda considers the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) as a reliable partner in nation-building and public service.

“I want to envision TESDA expanding even further — where every Filipino has the opportunity to acquire the skills and tools they need to pursue their dreams and contribute to national progress,” she said in her speech during the agency’s 29th founding anniversary held at SM Megamall event center in Mandaluyong City on Tuesday.

“We must transform lives beyond the limitations of social and economic boundaries. TESDA has a large role to play in answering the demands of the labor sector and in shaping a labor force that is responsive, fit, and adaptive,” she said.

During the event, TESDA also launched its new slogan, “Sa TESDA, Lingap ay Maasahan”, with Legarda reminding TESDA personnel to remain committed to serving the public.

“May you remember the faces of those who graduated and were able to put food on the table because we extended our reach and areas of training,” she said.

Legarda, a National TESDA Kabalikat Awardee in 2021, recalled she pushed for TESDA programs like the Barangay Kabuhayan Skills Training Program, Training for Work Scholarship Program, and Special Training for Employment Program, which benefited over 18,000 Antiqueño trainees since 2016.

When the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act was passed into law, Legarda said she was among the lawmakers who ensured that access to tertiary education must include those in the technical-vocational sector.

She also praised the agency for being at the forefront of web-based education through the TESDA Online Program, which has produced 3,220,912 training course completions in 2022 alone.

Last year, TESDA produced a total of 1,231,284 graduates of various training courses.

TESDA is set to launch on Aug. 25, the National Technical Education and Skills Development Plan 2023-2028, which will be held at The Peninsula Manila in Makati City as part of the celebration. (PNA)