THE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) is launching a massive nationwide overhaul of its technical-vocational (tech-voc) landscape, pivoting away from basic livelihood training to prioritize high-level, “future-ready” certifications.
The details of this strategic transformation were revealed during a media briefing at the recently concluded Tesda Manila Stakeholders Forum held on March 6 at the Bayview Park Hotel Manila. Supported by a P19-billion budget allocation for 2026, the agency’s plan focuses on scaling up scholarship programs and strengthening regional, demand-driven skills mapping to ensure the Filipino workforce meets global industry standards.
The 2026 strategy centers on a transition toward National Certificate (NC) III and IV levels, moving the Philippine workforce beyond entry-level manual labor. This “upskilling revolution” aims to address the long-standing issue of job-readiness among graduates.
The proposed technical-vocational overhaul includes: Industrial Expansion, which prioritizes advanced welding, automotive technology, and high-tier maritime certifications; the Digital Frontier, featuring specialized diploma programs in ICT, cybersecurity, and software development; and Global Communication, which introduces intensive language training in Mandarin and German to facilitate specialized overseas employment opportunities.
Unified support for Manila’s workforce
The forum saw significant support from local government and industry leaders.
Representing Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno, City Administrator Atty. Eduardo Quintos XIV emphasized the city’s commitment to integrating Tesda’s high-level training into local community programs.
To ensure the P19-billion investment translates directly into employment, Tesda is deepening its reliance on Enterprise-Based Training (EBT).
During the briefing, Tesda Deputy Director General for Special Concerns Felizardo Colambo underscored that the agency is moving to bridge the gap between training and actual hiring.
“The P19-billion budget will allow us to deepen our partnerships with private training providers and industry leaders,” said DDG Colambo. “Our priority is to ensure that classroom instruction is paired with rigorous on-the-job training and apprenticeships. This approach guarantees that our trainees do not just graduate with a certificate, but are truly job-ready and equipped with the high-level skills required by the modern labor market.”
The agency is also deploying a “regionally prioritized” approach to end skill mismatches. By utilizing skills mapping in coordination with Regional Development Councils (RDCs), Tesda ensures that course offerings are tailored to the specific economic landscape of each province.
Under this localized strategy, local government units (LGUs) are being urged to lead basic livelihood training, allowing Tesda to focus its P19-billion funding on institutional, higher-skill programs that require advanced facilities and specialized instructors.
