PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday announced that the government has allotted nearly PhP19 billion for Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) scholarship programs this year, the largest budget in the agency’s history, to provide more Filipinos with access to skills training and better employment opportunities.
“Ngayong taon, binigyan natin ang TESDA ng pinakamalaking budget sa kasaysayan nito,” President Marcos said in his speech during the TESDA Ilocos Norte National Certification II mass graduation ceremony at the Ilocos Norte National High School Gymnasium, Nuestra Señora del Rosario Poblacion, Laoag City.
Some 1,150 TESDA scholars completed NC II for dressmaking and bartending. NC2 is awarded to individuals who have acquired intermediate-level skills in various trades. These certificates validate individuals’ skills across various fields, making them more competitive in the job market.
“Halos PhP19 bilyon ang inilaan natin para sa mga scholarship program upang mas maraming Pilipino pa ang magkaroon ng pagkakataong matuto at magkaroon ng magandang hanapbuhay,” the President said.
President Marcos mentioned during his last State of the Nation Address (SONA) that the people are the country’s best investment.
“Kapag namumuhunan tayo sa kakayahan ng Pilipino, namumuhunan tayo sa mas matatag na pamilya, mas masiglang ekonomiya, at mas magandang kinabukasan ng bansa,” President Marcos said.
The Chief Executive further said that the government has expanded the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) program to better align the training with the actual needs of employers.
With the expansion, the President said the graduates would be better trained with the skills needed when starting their jobs and the government would also help the youth in looking for jobs through the “Tulong Trabaho Scholarship Program” by increasing its budget.
The government also expanded its TESDA Online Program to help students who have difficulty going to school, so more Filipinos will be trained anywhere the students are at any time of the day.
The government also brought opportunities to the students through the Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for Social Equity Program.
TESDA also strengthened its Micro-credentialing in TVET in order to speed up the training and acquisition of the certificates needed by the skilled workers for them to be at par with world standards.
“Mga kababayan, bahagi lang ang mga programang ito ng ating layuning magbukas ng mas maraming oportunidad para sa bawat Pilipinong handang magsikap para umasenso,” President Marcos said.
The President also thanked the teachers and the private sector who continue to guide and train our countrymen.
President Marcos also told the graduates that this is not the end, but the start of a bright future ahead.-
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