‘Low pay, few opportunities drive Tesda grads abroad’

‘Low pay, few opportunities drive Tesda grads abroad’

‘Low pay, few opportunities drive Tesda grads abroad’

2026-04-17 20:11:01

Here is a rewritten version of the blog post with improved tone, grammar, a
and readability

Unlocking Opportunities The Power of Low Pay, Few Opportunities Drive Te
Tesda Grads Abroad


The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) has shed l
light on a pressing issue in the Philippines - many technical-vocational gr
graduates are forced to seek employment abroad due to limited local job opp
opportunities and low pay. In this post, we'll explore the underlying facto
factors driving this trend and its far-reaching impact on the country's lab
labor market.

The Driving Force Low Pay, Few Opportunities

According to Tesda Secretary Jose Francisco Kiko Benitez, more than half 
of those taking technical and vocational education and training certificati
certification are already college graduates who still cannot find jobs. Thi
This stark reality highlights the Philippines' job market struggles to prov
provide competitive salaries and opportunities for its workforce.

The truth is that many Filipino workers are in high demand overseas due to 
their exceptional skills and work ethic. As Benitez noted, the excellence 
of the Filipino brand makes them sought after abroad, often with higher pa
pay rates than what's offered locally. This has led to a brain drain, as ta
talented individuals seek better opportunities outside the Philippines.

The Consequences Turnover Rates and Underemployment

The steady outflow of Tesda graduates has significant implications for Phil
Philippine industries. Benitez noted that the more workers Tesda trains, th
the more become qualified to leave for jobs abroad. This means that turnove
turnover rates in local industries are likely to remain high, as companies 
struggle to retain their best talent.

Moreover, the large underemployment problem in the Philippines is exacerbat
exacerbated by this trend. As workers leave the country in search of better
better opportunities, it leaves a vacuum that can be difficult to fill. The
The gig economy, an emerging sector that Tesda may need to address through 
upskilling and reskilling efforts, further compounds this issue.

The Way Forward Upskilling, Reskilling, and Addressing Shortages

To address these challenges, Tesda must focus on upskilling and reskilling 
its graduates to meet the evolving demands of the job market. This could in
involve training programs that emphasize skills in high-demand fields like 
technology, healthcare, and renewable energy.

Additionally, addressing shortages in key sectors will be crucial. By provi
providing incentives for companies to invest in local talent development an
and creating a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs, Tesda can help drive
drive economic growth and create more opportunities for Filipino workers.

Conclusion

The power of low pay, few opportunities drives Tesda grads abroad. As the P
Philippines continues to grapple with these challenges, it's essential that
that we acknowledge the root causes and work towards solutions that benefit
benefit both individuals and industries. By upskilling, reskilling, and add
addressing shortages, Tesda can play a critical role in unlocking opportuni
opportunities for Filipino workers and driving economic growth.

Key Takeaways

Low pay and few opportunities drive many Tesda graduates to seek employme
employment abroad.
The Philippines' job market struggles to provide competitive salaries and
and opportunities for its workforce.
Upskilling and reskilling efforts are crucial to address shortages in key
key sectors and drive economic growth.
Addressing the gig economy and underemployment will be critical to unlock
unlocking opportunities for Filipino workers.


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Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.

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