TESDA’s digital transformation goes in full swing as the country’s tech-voc agency, together with the LandBank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) launched on February 24 an initiative for the cashless distribution of scholars’ allowances.
In this system, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) scholars are granted LANDBANK PISO or PISO Plus Accounts to where scholarship benefits and training support funds will be directly credited. The LANDBANK accounts, which require no maintaining balance, allow TESDA learners to gain access to the banking ecosystem—a step forward in financial inclusion.
These bank accounts also bridge scholars toward online and mobile banking that has become a staple in today’s economy.
“Hindi sapat ang may skills lang. Kailangan banked, connected, at empowered ang bawat manggagawang Pilipino,” Sec. Benitez said during the launch, which was held at the Pavia Covered Gym in Pavia, Iloilo, alongside the graduation ceremony of TESDA Iloilo.
Benitez, who served as Congressman of the 3rd District of Negros Oriental before becoming TESDA Secretary, also underscored the multi-pronged benefits of the cashless system.
“Good news para sa scholars dahil wala nang hassle ang pagkuha ng allowances,” the TESDA chief said. “Good news also to the public because this cashless system adds a layer of security that will prevent ghost students and deter corruption.”
“Through this facility, we are strengthening the integrity of our programs and services,” he added.
Last February 16, Sec. Benitez and LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette Ortiz signed the agreement to allow the electronic release of training support funds and allowances to over 335,000 scholars nationwide.
Through the agreement, TESDA will formally adopt LANDBANK’s ATM Payroll Facility to enable the direct and digital transfer of scholarship allowances and training support funds to beneficiaries, enhancing transparency and accountability while ensuring fast, secure, and nationwide disbursement of public funds.
The facility covers beneficiaries of various TESDA scholarship programs, including learners from underserved and unbanked sectors, ensuring that no trainee is left behind due to barriers in accessing financial services.
Additionally, the LANDBANK facility is expected to support TESDA’s growing digital system, which will include future connections for verifying learner identities and online services.
“Through this partnership, we are modernizing the payout of scholarship grants and training support funds. TESDA scholars will now receive their allowances directly in their own accounts, ensuring fast, transparent, and reliable access to financial assistance,” said LANDBANK
Just two weeks prior to the launch of the TESDA-LANDBANK initiative, TESDA also introduced its Skills Passport, a first-of-its-kind, all-in-one app that serves as a digital identity and portfolio. The TESDA Skills Passport allows users to securely store, manage, and present their skills and credentials. The Skills Passport also includes job matching features, personalized learning pathways, scholarship tracking, and a nationwide training center locator, all supported by robust identity verification and data security safeguards, including PhilSys validation.
The TESDA-LANDBANK partnership and TESDA Skills Passport help address the recent findings of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) that urges TESDA to implement stricter transparency and targeting mechanisms for its scholarship programs. These efforts are also firmly in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive for the immediate digitalization of vital government services.
