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TESDA, Bicutan, Taguig City, July 29, 2026 — Welcoming President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos (PBBM), Jr.’s recognition of technical vocational education and training (TVET) as a key driver of employment and lifelong learning, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) reaffirmed its commitment to advancing a more accessible and future-ready skills development system during the President’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27.
In his address, President Marcos highlighted the strong employment outcomes of technical vocational graduates, noting that 81 percent of those who complete tech-voc programs are successfully placed in employment. He also underscored the value of progressive and ladderized learning pathways, including the integration of technical vocational programs in Senior High School, allowing learners to gain job-ready skills while keeping opportunities open for further education.
“Mabisang pambato rin sa buhay ang mga programa natin sa tech-voc o TVET. Sa ngayon, 81% na ang placement rate ng mga dumadaan sa kursong tech-voc. Maaaring gamitin ng isang TVET graduate ang kanyang national certificate bilang pundasyon upang maituloy pa ang pag-aaral hanggang maging ganap itong kolehiyong diploma,” the President said.
TESDA Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Benitez said the President’s message reflects the administration’s commitment to positioning TVET as an integral part of the country’s education and workforce development system — one that enables Filipinos to pursue employment, entrepreneurship, or higher education depending on their aspirations.
“Ang tech-voc ay daan patungo sa iba’t ibang oportunidad. Trabaho, negosyo, continuing education — lahat yan posibleng magsimula sa TESDA. And under the presidency of PBBM, kasama ang DepEd at CHED, we are building seamless pathways from skills training to work and further education, advancing a vision where the Marcos administration may be remembered as a golden age of education reform,” Benitez said.
TESDA taps partners for wider information campaign on TVET programs
This vision is being advanced through the administration’s One Education initiative, which promotes closer collaboration among the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and TESDA to create a more coherent and interconnected education system. By strengthening coordination among the three education agencies, learners are provided with more flexible pathways that allow them to move seamlessly from basic education to technical-vocational training, higher education, and eventually, meaningful employment.
Supporting this direction, TESDA continues to expand opportunities for Senior High School learners through free competency assessment and certification, enabling qualified students to earn National Certificates that formally recognize their skills and improve their employability. Since starting this program in 2024, over 369,000 SHS graduates have earned skills certification through the free assessment. The agency also supports the implementation of the TechPro track, which equips learners with industry-relevant competencies while preparing them for employment, entrepreneurship, further skills training, or higher education.
The President pointed to the TESDA Skills Passport which serves as a digital gateway for Filipinos to access and manage their training credentials, discover scholarship and training opportunities, connect with employment services, and plan their continuing education and career pathways.
“Malaking tulong ngayon ang TESDA Passport na bunga ng digitalization ng inyong mga serbisyo,” the President said.
TESDA is likewise working with partner agencies, including the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), to make information on TVET programs more accessible to the public. Through these collaborative efforts, Filipinos can more easily access information on training programs, scholarship opportunities, accredited training providers, application procedures, and other services that support lifelong learning and workforce participation.
As the country prepares its workforce for the demands of a rapidly evolving economy, TESDA reaffirms its commitment to supporting the administration’s vision of empowering Filipinos through quality skills development and ensuring that TVET remains a strong, accessible, and future-ready pathway toward decent work, lifelong learning, and inclusive national development. (/)