MANILA – Backed by the Marcos administration’s push for skills development, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) recorded major advances in 2025, highlighted by policy reforms, global competition success, and broader access to technical-vocational education and training.
TESDA said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s emphasis on technical-vocational education strengthened the agency’s role in producing job-ready graduates. In his July State of the Nation Address, the President pointed to the ongoing integration of TVET in senior high school, allowing graduates to enter the workforce with National Certificate II or III credentials.
On the international stage, the Philippines achieved its best showing yet in WorldSkills competitions. Hosting WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025, the country captured 30 medals, while the national team also earned four medals at the WorldSkills Asia 2025 tilt in Taiwan.
TESDA continued to align its programs with global standards, with Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Benitez participating in the Education World Forum 2025 and presenting Philippine strategies on workforce development amid rapid technological change.
Locally, the agency intensified coordination with the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education to ensure smoother education-to-employment pathways. Among the initiatives introduced were the integration of TechPro programs into basic education, free competency assessments for TVET senior high school graduates, and the establishment of a Tripartite Council with the Professional Regulation Commission.
TESDA also expanded lifelong learning options through micro-credentials, now offering 375 registered courses delivered by 190 training institutions nationwide.
Significant policy developments included the rollout of the Early Childhood Care and Development Services National Certificate III and the wider implementation of the Enterprise-Based Education and Training program, involving 240 companies and 410 programs across the country.
To support innovation outside Metro Manila, TESDA broke ground on Regional TVET Innovation Centers in Tuguegarao City, Tacloban City, and General Santos City.
President Marcos capped the year by visiting the TESDA Complex in Taguig City in October, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to strengthening skills development nationwide.
TESDA said it will carry the gains of 2025 into 2026 as it works to further expand access to quality, industry-responsive skills training for Filipinos.
