Tesda hosts Asean group for site visit

Title Tesda Hosts Asean Group for Site Visit Strengthening Regional Cooperation in Technical Education

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) recently welcomed delegates from the Asean Qualifications Reference Framework (AQRF) committee to its headquarters in Taguig, Philippines. This visit was part of the 16th AQRF Committee Meeting, underscoring the Marcos administration's commitment to regional cooperation, human capital development, and strengthened Asean integration.

Regional Cooperation A Key to Skills Development

The AQRF Committee Meeting brought together representatives from 11 Asean participating member states to advance cooperation on qualifications transparency, quality assurance, and mutual recognition of skills. This meeting highlights the importance of regional cooperation in developing a skilled workforce that can meet the demands of the global economy.

Operationalizing the Philippine Qualifications Framework

During the site visit, Tesda Secretary Kiko Benitez emphasized that the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) is fully operational and implemented through a law, supported by robust quality assurance mechanisms, and anchored on industry relevance. He also highlighted that the Philippines' reference to the AQRF supports the administration's thrust to ensure that education and skills training translate into employment, productivity, and regional mobility.

Insights from Tesda Secretary Benitez

Benitez noted, The ultimate aim of operationalizing the PQF through these centers is to support the mobility of learners and workers. We hope that, because our system is aligned with the AQRF, the skills demonstrated here are more easily understood and recognized by employers across Asean. His remarks underscore the importance of aligning education and skills training with industry needs to facilitate regional mobility.

Facility Visits

The site visit provided delegates with a firsthand look at Tesda's delivery of Technical and Vocational Education and Training through strong partnerships and visits to key facilities, including the agency's Women's Center, Regional Training Center-NCR, and WorldSkills/Human Resource Development Center. This exposure enabled delegates to understand the operational mechanisms of Tesda's training programs.

Education Secretary Angara's Remarks

In the same meeting, Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that strengthening alignment among education institutions, training providers, industry partners, and government agencies is central to preparing Filipino learners for evolving workforce demands. He also highlighted that our biggest asset is our people. Under President Marcos Jr.'s leadership, we are envisioning a more creative and innovative Filipino learner, which will be a significant boost to the industry.

Updated Philippine Qualifications Framework

The updated PQF now features eight levels aligned with the Asean Qualifications Reference Framework, with clear vertical, horizontal, and diagonal pathways between technical-vocational and higher education. Senior high school is mapped to Level 3, and micro-credentials have been formally integrated to support lifelong learning and provide learners with more flexible opportunities to build skills over time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the site visit by the Asean Qualifications Reference Framework (AQRF) committee highlights Tesda's commitment to regional cooperation in technical education. The meeting underscores the importance of aligning education and skills training with industry needs to facilitate regional mobility and strengthen Asean integration.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

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