TAGUIG CITY -- Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Suharto Mangudadatu has emphasized the importance of technical vocational institutions (TVIs) in upskilling and reskilling the Filipino workforce.

This was made clear by Secretary Mangudadatu in his keynote message during the “UniTVET in 2024: Achieving a SCORE!” event organized by the Unified TVET of the Philippines, Inc. (UniTVET) at the Asian Institute of Management in Makati City last January 20.

“We duly recognize the huge impact that UniTVET has contributed to the region, and we stand in support of your continuous commitment towards your mission to contribute to the development of TVET,” Secretary Mangudadatu said his speech.

The UniTVET has been a long-time partner of TESDA in the delivery and strengthening of TVET programs in the country.

The organization has devoted its efforts and contributions to developmental TVET through capability-building projects for TVET administrators and trainers, and supporting skills training programs of its members in various qualifications. It has also participated in TVET advocacy and policy reforms through the holding of annual TVET conferences and consultative meetings, and participating in legislative consultations, and as well as in activities with government, non-government organizations and industries as the voice of the private TVET sector.

During the event, TESDA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with UniTVET which aims to advance TVET in the Philippines, and enhance the quality, accessibility, and relevance of TVET programs.

“Through this partnership, we hope to be able to explore more joint projects in capacity building of private TVET institutions and offer programs and training that address the needs and demands of our fellow countrymen,” the TESDA chief said.

Meanwhile, the Secretary also presented his 10-point priority agenda and reiterated the importance of his banner program, “TESDA Sa Barangay”, which aims to bring TVET closer to the communities.

He likewise shared that TESDA is actively pursuing the strengthening of TVET in senior high school through a two-pronged strategic direction: rationalizing the technical-vocational- livelihood implementation by subjecting it to quality assurance of TESDA, and embedding or contextualizing TVET (training regulations) in all senior high school curricula.

“Through this policy shift, we are providing a more inclusive, flexible, and comprehensive education system that caters to the diverse needs and aspirations of the students - which supports the K to 12 law’s objectives of delivering a learner-centered and globally competitive education as well as TESDA’s mandate to provide quality, efficient, accessible, relevant TVET for national development,” Secretary Mangudadatu emphasized.

The Secretary also administered the oaths of UniTVET’s 2024 officers and members of the board during the program.

Present during the event were TESDA Deputy Directors General Rosanna Urdaneta, Aniceto Bertiz III, and Vidal Villanueva III, UniTVET President and TESDA Board Member Fr. Onofre “Jun” Inocencio, SDB, and UniTVET board members and officers. (TESDA)