TESDA forum highlights vital role of data, research in TVET

January 09, 2025

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has emphasized the importance of data and research in strengthening the country’s technical vocational education and training (TVET) sector.

On December 11, TESDA hosted the 2024 TVET Research Conference, which was themed “Data-Driven & Dynamic TVET System: Producing Work-Ready and Future-Ready TVET Graduates”.

The conference brought together representatives from the government, industry leaders, academic partners, private sector, and development stakeholders to discuss the crucial role of research for high-quality TVET and Filipino workforce aligned with the dynamic demands of the labor market in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and emerging technologies.

In his message delivered by TESDA Deputy Director General for Policies and Planning Rosanna A. Urdaneta CESO II, Secretary Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez highlighted the importance of data-driven decision-making in ensuring TVET graduates acquire quality and in-demand skills needed for tomorrow’s workforce. He emphasized that a robust, evidence-based TVET system is essential for adapting to emerging technologies, sectoral trends, and shifting industry needs.

“By embedding data into every aspect of TVET, from policy to program implementation, we ensure we are not only meeting today’s demands but anticipating future challenges,” said Secretary Benitez.

“This year’s theme is anchored to the ‘TESDABest 8-point Agenda’. Data-driven means enhancing labor market intelligence and evidence-based TVET programming.  It envisions a TVET system that produces competitive, agile, and future-ready graduates capable of driving full employment and contributing to the nation’s economic transformation,” he added.

During the conference, some policy research were presented in the morning followed by technology research studies in the afternoon, which were selected due to their relevance to TVET or because they tackle critical issues in the labor market and educational and training system in the country.

The policy research showcased included the following: Labor Market Structures, Pay Gap, and Skills in the Philippines by Dr. Connie Bayudan-Dacuycuy of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS); An Assessment of the Enterprise-Based Training Modality in the Philippines: Barriers, Incentives, and Policy Gaps by Ian Nicole Generalao, PIDS; The Influence of Vocational Education and Training on Employment Prospects of ALS Graduates: An Impact Evaluation Study by Dr. Martha Joy Abing, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology; and, Impact of Artificial Intelligence in the Labor Market by Chelsea Nicole Pineda and Marvin Cabangunay, Department of Labor and Employment-Institute for Labor Studies (DOLE-ILS).

On the other hand, technology research were the following as selected by TESDA’s National Institute for Technical Education and Skills Development (NITESD) -Technology Research and Development Division: Enhancing Training Delivery in (DAC) Machining through a Translucent Mini Lathe Machine Simulator by Bryle F. Barrios and Necasio C. Bait-it, Zamboanga Sibugay Polytechnic Institute;  Fabricated Welding Trainer: Enhancing Foundational Welding Skills Through Structured Practice by Rechie L. Linga and Roberto Pambuena, Balicuatro College of Arts and Trades; Wi-Fi Controlled Solar-Powered Misting Technology for Backyard Farming by Neil Santioque, Engr. Darrel Mark Morales, Engr. Angelo Gonzales, and Engr. Guio Feliciano, Regional Training Center Mariveles, Bataan; and, E-NSAYO: A Website with Interactive 3D Models Using Augmented Reality (AR) as an Immersive Supplement for Online TVET by Chloe Jadyn N. Carandang, Jaster De Jesus, Jy James Luke Sibunga, and Ma. Amor Canoy, National University-Manila.

This event was more than just a platform for presenting research; it served as a call for policymakers, researchers, educators, and stakeholders to harness data and innovation to build a resilient, dynamic TVET system. The TVET Research Conference aims to inspire and encourage various stakeholders to pursue more research related to TVET.