TAGUIG CITY -- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has reaffirmed its strong commitment to continue improving its programs and services in response to the challenges brought by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0).

In his message at the 4th International Conference on Automation, Mechatronics, and Robotics (ICAMEROB 2022), Deputy Director General Tonisito Umali underscored the important role industries play in producing graduates with industry-fit competencies.

“TESDA, as the leading authority in TVET in the country, must swiftly respond to the dynamic changes brought about by Industry 4.0,” he said.

“We are continuously working on improving our processes and systems to adapt and adjust our programs to the rising need of the industries. And that is where our partner industries come in. Our industry helps us develop training programs that will produce graduates with industry-fit competencies,” he added.

Umali also stressed the rapid advancement of technology in the workplace. For tech-voc training, he continued, the effect of Industry 4.0 is felt directly as it “involves the study of technologies and related sciences and acquisition of practical skills.”

The 4th ICAMEROB 2022 was held via a hybrid platform last November 4-5 with the theme “Sustaining Excellence in Engineering and Technology for Global Integration.”

The conference primarily aims to bring together professionals from various international and local industries and universities to meet research enthusiasts, keep abreast of the recent information and innovations in the community and engage in the four main research tracks – Automation Engineering and Information Technology; Mechatronics Engineering and Technology; Robotics Engineering and Technology; and Industry 4.0 Innovations and Applications.

Umali also lauded the Mechatronics and Robotics Society of the Philippines (MRSP) for organizing the 4th ICAMEROB 2022 as the conference “can take the engineering and technology to a higher notch or global integration.”

He likewise urged those in the education sector and in the industry to work closely to produce a workforce equipped with industry-fit competencies.

“It is a must for us in the education sector and the industry, with this technology-driven change, to work hand-in-hand to harness converging technologies in order to create a smart and more comfortable life for all in the future,” the TESDA official said. (TESDA)