TACLOBAN CITY- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Region 8 (TESDA-8) said the employment rate of its 57,706 graduates in 2024 reached to about 80%.
During this week’s Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, TESDA-8 Assistant Regional Director Vivian E. Abueva said that their graduates in 2024 have a certification rate of 96.32% while eight out of 10 of these are employed in and outside the region.
“These graduates are now contributing to the productivity, quality and global competitiveness of the country’s middle level skilled workforce. This underscores the quality of education and training we have here in the region,” Abueva said.
TESDA-8 likewise reports that their impact continues to grow, through its 26,896 graduates from its scholarship program in 2024 further enhancing access to TVET and encouraging technical education and skills development
The local workforce must adapt to the labor market’s demands, with the ongoing digital shift calling for higher skills level and training for Filipino workers, according to TESDA.
Abueva emphasized the importance of upskilling or reskilling the workforce to acquire new or additional skills to be used in their jobs or livelihood.
The upskilling, reskilling, and retooling program based on the demand of the industry and our local government units is very important so that we can address the job skills mismatch and help them look for a job.
Technical and vocational education aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in specific trades or professions and help address the job-skills mismatch.
It prepares students for particular careers or occupations and is often seen as an alternative to traditional academic programs like university or college.
In November, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act No. 12063, or the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act, institutionalizing and strengthening apprenticeship programs in the country.
The law will ensure the country’s educational system keeps pace with the evolving demands of the labor market, helping bridge the skills gap that currently exists in many industries.
