August 24, 2024

Outstanding partners of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority were honored during the 2024 National Kabalikat Awarding Ceremony held yesterday, August 22.

As part of the agency’s milestone celebration of its 30th Founding Anniversary, TESDA’s partners from the corporate sector, local government units, the legislative branch, national government agencies, and non-government organizations were gathered at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.  

During the said ceremony, TESDA Spokesperson and Deputy Director General for TESD Operations Vidal D. Villanueva III, extended his gratitude to the recognized partners for their efforts in strengthening the country’s technical vocational education and training (TVET) and encouraged them to continue offering services and opportunities to the Filipino people.

“You have demonstrated what it means to be a real "Kabalikat" – a resolute ally in our quest for a more competent and empowered Filipino workforce – as partners in this common goal. We thank you for helping us empower the Filipinos and improve their own and their families' quality of life through TVET,” DDG Villanueva said.

In the Industry Category, the awardees include: Center for Bamboo Development, Inc from Region I; Hotel Sophia from Region II; ASKI Group from Region III; Panasonic Industrial Devices Philippines Corporation from Region V; Industrial Controls Corporation from NCR; and Hinatuan Mining Corporation from Caraga.

In the Local Government Unit Category, TESDA honored the City Government of Candon in Ilocos Sur, City Government of Santiago in Cagayan Valley, Municipality of Limay in Bataan, the Provincial Government of Marinduque, Municipal Government of Irosin in Sorsogon, Provincial Government of Cebu, City Government of Tagum in Davao del Norte, City Government of Baguio in Benguet, City Government of Surigao in Surigao del Norte, and Municipal Government of Languyan in Tawi-Tawi.

In the Legislative Branch Category, TESDA recognized the efforts of the Office of the Fifth District of Batangas, Office of the Second District of Aklan, Office of the Second District of Zamboanga Sibugay, Office of the Second District of Bukidnon, and the Office of the First District of Makati.

Further, for the Development Partner Category, Consuelo Zobel Alger Foundation from Region VIII.

The Special Kabalikat Awardees are the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Senator Sherwin Gatchalian.

“We are grateful for your partnership, zeal, and tenacity. We will keep working together to create a better future for the Philippines, one in which every person has access to high-quality education and career development,” DDG Villanueva said.

Each Kabalikat awardee will receive a plaque of recognition from TESDA.