Tesda Eyes P19-B Budget Boost for Skills Training Expansion

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday said the almost P19-billion budget allocated for Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) scholarship programs this year will provide more Filipinos access to skills training and better employment opportunities. Marcos made the remarks during the mass graduation ceremony of the 1,150 Tesda scholars in Taguig City. He emphasized the crucial role of Tesda in equipping citizens with the necessary skills to secure better jobs. This budget increase is seen as part of the government's strategy to strengthen the Philippine workforce and boost economic growth. Particularly in an economy heavily reliant on Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), fostering domestic employment and developing a skilled workforce are pressing issues. Tesda offers courses designed to impart skills required in various domestic industries. With the expanded budget, it is expected that a wider range of people will be able to participate in these training programs across broader regions. This is anticipated to contribute to reducing youth unemployment and enhancing productivity through upskilling existing workers. While overseas employment remains a significant source of income for many Filipino households, developing and diversifying domestic industries is essential for increasing the options for citizens to lead stable lives in their home country. The expansion of Tesda's skills training is considered a crucial step towards achieving this goal.