PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visits TESDA in Taguig with Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma and TESDA chief Kiko Benitez, inspecting workshops in welding, mechatronics and visual graphics — a nod to his SONA vision of tech-voc education as a proven path to jobs and opportunity.
Photo courtesy of President Bongbong Marcos/FB
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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing globally competitive skills development during a visit and inspection of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) training centers Friday.
The President personally assessed the training facilities and observed ongoing programs to ensure they meet international standards and industry demands.
He was joined by Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma and TESDA Director General Jose Francisco Benitez.
The training sites inspected included facilities for welding, mechatronics, visual graphics, motorcycle and automotive servicing, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), plumbing and barista competency assessment.
Marcos also toured the TESDA Women Center and the Construction Painting section at the MuntiParLasTaPat District Training and Assessment Center.
Benitez highlighted the agency’s shift to modern training processes, such as welding simulation, to enhance practical skills and ensure alignment with global standards.
“His presence inspires our trainers, trainees, and partners to continue raising the standards of skills development and to deliver training programs that are relevant, inclusive, and globally competitive,” Benitez said, thanking Marcos for his support of technical-vocational education and training.
Since Marcos assumed office in 2022, TESDA has recorded about 5 million enrollees and 4.5 million graduates, underscoring the administration’s efforts to improve employment readiness.
Benitez cited that TESDA scholars have benefited from significantly increased funding across various programs, including the Training for Work Scholarship Program, the Special Training for Employment Program and the Tulong Trabaho Scholarship Program.
The country’s vocational graduates have also proven their competitiveness abroad. Most recently, TESDA trainee Hannah Krystelle Caintic won a gold medal in the Graphic Design Technology category at the WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025 competition in August.
In related news, Marcos named new top officials to lead three major transportation agencies under the Department of Transportation, the Palace announced Friday.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Markus Lacanilao, currently serving as the country’s special envoy on transnational crime, has been appointed as the new chairman of the Land Transportation Office.
