DIPOLOG CITY, July 14 (PIA) - The Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA)-9 is taking its skills and development initiatives a notch higher with the launching of the TESDA Zamboanga Peninsula Industry and Institution Exchange Program (TIXP).

Several micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), national government agencies, and local government units in ZamPen signed a memorandum of agreement with TESDA-9 to address the evolving needs of the labor market by bridging the gap between education and industry, ensuring that the skills being taught are relevant, up-to-date, and aligned with industry demands.
 
TESDA-9 Regional Director Tarhata S. Mapandi said the initiative is part of the 10-point Agenda of TESDA Secretary Suharto 'Teng' Tan Mangudadatu "purposely aiming to address the skills mismatch in the labor market, enhance the relevance of technical education, and strengthen collaboration between TESDA and industries."

Around 71 industry key players took part in the signing of MOA which includes the local business sector involved in construction, agriculture and tourism; local chief executives from different LGUs; and some national government agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labor and Employment and Philippine Coconut Authority, among others.
 
They have also pledged their commitment to actively engage in all aspects of the exchange program; facilitate mutual learning that can enhance the industry and institution's practices; and contribute to the development and enhancement of the community.

"Are you willing to work and partner with TESDA in this endeavor?" Edwin Templado, representing the construction industry, asked the attendees of the event in his message. This garnered a resounding "Yes!" from the audience.
 
Each of the provincial heads of TESDA in Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay have also assured the availability of scholarships through its existing programs in the implementation of the TIXP.
 
TESDA's scholarship programs are Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP), Special Training for Employment Program (STEP), Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA), Coconut Farmers Scholarship Program (CFSP), Rice Extension Services Program (RESP), (TTSP) Tulong Trabaho Scholarship Program, and Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA). (NBE/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)