President Marcos Jr visits TESDA training facilities
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. visited the training facilities of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Taguig City to witness firsthand the agency’s continuing efforts to equip Filipinos with world-class technical and vocational skills aligned with industry needs.
During the visit, President Marcos toured the TESDA Regional Training Center – National Capital Region (RTC-NCR), and the National Training Center for Women (NTCW), both located within the TESDA Complex in Taguig City.
The President was welcomed by Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma and TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez, together with TESDA’s Deputy Directors General, directors, trainers and trainees.
It can be recalled that during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July, President Marcos underscored the growing importance of technical vocational education and training (TVET) in providing pathways for gainful employment and higher learning for Filipino youth.
“Napatunayan na nating mabisa ang tech-voc. Kaya, unti-unti nang pinapasok sa senior high ang TVET ng TESDA. Diretso pagka-graduate, puwede na kaagad namaghanapbuhay kung gugustuhin, dahil para na rinsiyang nakapag-aral sa TESDA at nakakuha ng NC II or NC III,” President Marcos said during his recent SONA.
“Kitang-kita natin ang bunga ng mga programang ito. Napakataas ngayon ng bilang ng kabataan natingpumasok sa kolehiyo o sa TESDA. Mas marami na rinang nakakapagtapos. Kaya mga magulang: sulitin naninyo ang mga pagkakataong ito. Dahil hangad natin nasa lalong madaling panahon, ang bawat isang pamilyaay may anak na nakapagtapos ng kolehiyo o saTESDA,” the President added.
At the RTC-NCR, the President inspected various workshops, including those for Welding, Mechatronics, and Visual Graphics Design while trainees demonstrated their technical competencies.
To witness how TESDA integrates hands-on learning with industry collaboration, the President likewise visited the TESDA-Petron Car Care Center, the TESDA-Honda Training Room, and the TESDA-Daikin Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Training Center.
Further, at the NTCW, the President visited the state-of-the-art TESDA-Unitec Pipe Manufacturing Corp. Plumbing Training Laboratory.
TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez expressed gratitude to the President for his visit, noting that it underscores the government’s united approach to linking education, innovation, and employment.
“TESDA’s mission goes beyond training — it is about transforming lives and preparing Filipinos for a rapidly changing world of work. With the guidance of PBBM, we will continue to strengthen partnerships with industry and integrate technology-driven and gender-responsive programs across all training centers,” Sec. Kiko said.
President Marcos’ visit highlights the national government’s ongoing efforts to enhance technical education as a driver of productivity, competitiveness, and sustainable livelihood for all Filipinos.
