Soon-to-rise innovation center in Davao City to reinforce TVET in the region

December 21, 2022

More opportunities and skills training programs are expected to flourish in Davao Region once the Regional TVET Innovation Center (RTIC) is finally completed, an official of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has assured.

On his recent visit to Mindanao, TESDA Director General Danilo P. Cruz checked the ongoing construction of the RTIC at the Regional Training Center - Korea Philippines Vocational Training Center (RTC-KPVTC) in Davao City.

“The 4th Industrial Revolution brings with it significant socio-economic opportunities as well as challenges.  These compel training and education providers to adopt a culture of innovation, and to equip its learners with essential skills that will help them thrive in the ever-changing work environments of the 4IR,” he said.

“TESDA’s ongoing establishment of innovation centers around the country is among the government’s direct responses to the challenges of the 4IR,” he added.

Last June 2022, TESDA conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for the two-story, 867-square-meter RTIC which will serve as an innovation hub for TVET in the region.

Deputy Director General Aniceto D. Bertiz III said the soon-to-rise RTIC will help TESDA to respond to the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and pursue innovation in training delivery.

“RTC-KPTVC is also the worthy recipient of an innovation center that is currently under construction, and which can also further contribute to this institution’s and this Agency’s direction towards a culture of innovation and research,” Bertiz said.

Bertiz also underscored that RTC-KPTVC, which offers nine diploma programs or higher-level TVET, should be able to contribute to the enhancement and development of the country’s human resources.

Both TESDA officials shared President Marcos, Jr.’s directive during his first State-of-the-Nation-Address (SONA) that what should be taught in schools and training centers must sharpen the theoretical aptitude of Filipinos and impart to them relevant vocational skills.

“Remember also that PBBM called for us in the education and training sector to ‘give OFWs all the advantages we can for them survive and to thrive,” Bertiz pointed out.

The construction of innovation centers nationwide is aligned with TESDA’s overall strategic thrusts which are to achieve global competitiveness and workforce readiness and attain social equity for workforce inclusion and poverty reduction.

At present, there are three TESDA innovation centers in Cebu, Northern Samar, and Zamboanga Sibugay. (30)