MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday inspected several Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) training centers in Taguig City, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to developing globally competitive Filipino workers.

During his visit, the President personally assessed the state of training facilities and observed programs designed to align with industry standards. He was joined by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma and TESDA Director General Jose Francisco Benitez.

The President toured several facilities, including those for welding, mechatronics, and visual graphics, as well as the Construction Painting area of the MuntiParLasTaPat District Training and Assessment Center (MDTAC). He also inspected the Motorcycle Small Engine Servicing National Certificate (NC) and Car Care Center Automotive Servicing NC training sites, Heat Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) Center, TESDA Women Center, Barista Competency Assessment, and Plumbing Workshop.

According to Benitez, TESDA now employs updated training processes, including advanced welding simulation technology.

Benitez thanked President Marcos for his visit and continued support in strengthening the country’s technical-vocational education and training (TVET) system.

“His presence inspires our trainers, trainees, and partners to continue raising the standards of skills development and to deliver training programs that are relevant, inclusive, and globally competitive,” he said.

Benitez added that the President has consistently backed TESDA’s mission to empower Filipino workers through accessible and quality training programs.

Under the Marcos administration, several TESDA scholarship initiatives have received higher funding allocations, including the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP), Special Training for Employment Program (STEP), Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA), and Tulong Trabaho Scholarship Program.

“These investments have allowed TESDA to open more scholarship slots, accommodate new learners, and provide full training support,” Benitez said.

Since 2022, TESDA has recorded around 5 million enrollees, with 4.5 million graduates. Benitez also emphasized the growing global demand for Filipino workers holding National Certificates (NCs), describing TESDA graduates as “incredibly competitive.”

Recently, TESDA trainee Hannah Krystelle Caintic won a gold medal in the Graphic Design Technology category at the WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025 competition held in Pasay City from August 25 to 30.