TESDA, PBEd partner to train youth, address skills-job mismatch

March 02, 2023

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) renewed their partnership to strengthen workforce development programs and policies in the country.

Last February 1, TESDA Director General Danilo P. Cruz and PBEd Board of Trustees member George Barcelon signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the TESDA Central Office in Taguig City.

The partnership aims to continue the provision of technical vocational training and employment opportunities for unemployed and out-of-school youth, or youth not in employment, education, or training (NEET).

This collaboration will also promote the establishment of industry boards and sector skills councils and greater involvement in the implementation of the Philippine Qualifications Framework in a bid to address the job-skills mismatch in the country.

In his message, DG Cruz emphasized the vital role of the PBEd in delivering TESDA’s programs and services to Filipinos, especially in implementing its thrust for Global Competitiveness and Workforce Readiness, and Social Equity for Workforce Inclusion and Poverty Reduction.

The TESDA Chief added that the partnership will help address skills-job mismatch and reduce employment and underemployment of Filipinos.

“With this, the technical vocational education and training will be more responsive to the demands of the economy and will enhance employment opportunities of our fellow Filipinos especially the youth, not in education, education or training,” DG Cruz said.

TESDA and PBEd have a long-standing partnership in providing youth employment opportunities. In October 2020, TESDA extended its partnership with YouthWorks PH to train unemployed and out-of-school youth affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

YouthWorks PH is the youth employability program of the United States Agency on International Development and PBEd.

It can be recalled that last September 22, 2022, PBEd Executive Director Lovelaine Basillote met with DG Cruz to discuss the continuation of the partnership in developing the skills of youth NEET through TVET.