The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) capped 2025 with major policy reforms, international recognition, and expanded access to skills training, reaffirming its commitment to deliver quality training that leads to decent jobs.
With strong backing from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., a consistent advocate of technical vocational education and training (TVET), TESDA strengthened the role of skills development as a pillar of the country’s education and workforce agenda.
“Napatunayan na nating mabisa ang tech-voc. Kaya, unti-unti nang pinapasok sa senior high ang TVET ng TESDA. Diretso pagka-graduate, puwede na kaagad na maghanapbuhay kung gugustuhin, dahil para na rin siyang nakapag-aral sa TESDA at nakakuha ng NC (National Certificate Level) II or NC III (We have proven that tech-voc is effective. That’s why TESDA is gradually incorporating TVET in senior high. After graduation, they can immediately find employment if they wanted because they have already finished a course equal to NC II or NC III),” Marcos said during his State-of-the-Nation Address in July.
The Philippines achieved historic success in global skills competitions in 2025.
As the host of WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025, the country delivered its best performance to date, winning 30 medals.
The Philippine team also earned four medals at WorldSkills Asia 2025 in Taiwan, underscoring the world-class competence of Filipino skilled workers.
TESDA likewise intensified alignment with international standards.
Secretary Kiko Benitez represented the Philippines at the Education World Forum 2025, where he shared strategies on aligning TVET with evolving labor markets and digital transformation.
At the national level, TESDA strengthened collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to ensure smoother transitions from education to employment.
Key initiatives in 2025 included the integration of TechPro programs into basic education, free assessment for senior high school tech-voc graduates, and the creation of a Tripartite Council with CHED and the Professional Regulation Commission to harmonize standards across learning pathways.
TESDA also advanced lifelong learning through the expansion of micro-credentials, with 375 registered courses now offered by 190 training providers nationwide.
Major policy milestones included the rollout of the Early Childhood Care and Development Services NC III following the passage of the ECCD Law.
The implementation of the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) was also strengthened after the signing of its Implementing Rules and Regulations, with latest data showing 240 enterprises implementing 410 EBET programs nationwide.
To support innovation and regional development, TESDA broke ground on Regional TVET Innovation Centers in Tuguegarao City, Tacloban City, and General Santos City.
Marcos also visited the TESDA headquarters on Oct. 10, highlighting the administration’s continued priority for skills development.
The President toured the facilities of TESDA Regional Training Center – National Capital Region, and the National Training Center for Women, both located within the TESDA Complex in Taguig City.
“These gains reflect the collective efforts of TESDAns, industry partners, and stakeholders nationwide. By working together and breaking silos, we are building a stronger, more inclusive skills ecosystem for Filipinos,” Benitez said.
As TESDA moves into 2026, the agency aims to build on the momentum of 2025 to further expand access to quality, industry-aligned skills training. (PNA)