TAGUIG CITY -- Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Danilo P. Cruz has underscored the importance of technical vocational education and training (TVET) in pursuing a green economy.
In his message at the TESDA Women’s Center’s (TWC) Green TVET Forum last Nov. 24, DG Cruz said TESDA has initiated programs that promote environmental protection, sustain biodiversity, and minimize, if not prevent, environmental degradation.
“Green economy means we practice low carbon, efficient use of resources, and promote social inclusion and economic growth. TESDA has initiated efforts in implementing the greening of the TVET sector through the inclusion of green policies and initiatives to the training regulations,” he said.
In August 2018, the TESDA issued Circular No. 58 defining guidelines for Greening the TVET system in the country, resulting in the formulation and implementation of TESDA’s training regulations aimed to promote green technology.
Among these training regulations are pest management, photovoltaic systems, hydroponics, vertical gardening, carbon emissions, and seaweed farming. TESDA, through our Green Technology Center (GTC), has been very active in this undertaking.
DG Cruz also urged forum participants to further promote greening in TVET in their own communities.
“I am confident that through our efforts and commitments as well as both the public and private sectors could contribute to the government’s goal of promoting a green economy that fosters social and environmental sustainability,” he said.
TESDA Deputy Director General Aniceto Bertiz III said that green strategies will “help to transform trainees' learning and training environments, allowing them to fulfill their role in skilling learners, upskilling professionals in green job sectors, and re-skilling those affected by job losses due to the changes in our environment and society.”
“Our Greening TVET initiatives will never stop in developing a culture of sustainable practices in TVET and facilitating the transition to climate-resilient societies, improved resource efficiency, and a circular economy,” he added.
Held at Hilton Hotel Manila in Pasay City, the forum gathered stakeholders from the government and non-government organizations, and industries that are well-known for their remarkable green practices.
With the theme “TESDA Women’s Center Stakeholders’ Forum: Green TVET for a Sustainable Future,” the forum provided a platform for discussion regarding green jobs or skills needed by the industry, understanding renewable energy, and to learn and adopt the green practices of major industries.
The TWC has conducted three stakeholders’ forums in the past. In 2019, it held a forum for the Automotive and Land Transport Sector and for the Construction Sector. Last May 2022, it also conducted a Stakeholders eFroum: Integrating 21st Century Skills to Strengthen TVET Curriculum for Global Competitiveness. (TESDA)
