TESDA, Army roll out soldiers' technical skills development

September 13, 2024

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Philippine Army (PA) have rolled out a joint project aimed at increasing the capacity and competence of PA personnel through technical and skills development training.

Last September 2, TESDA Deputy Director General for Operations Vidal D. Villanueva III and Col. Roderick L. Parallag MNSA (INF) of the Philippine Army led the ceremony at the Army Headquarters in Taguig City.

In his message, DDG Villanueva emphasized that the partnership is a testament to TESDA and the Philippine Army’s shared vision and commitment to strengthening the nation through the empowerment of its people.

“TESDA and the Philippine Army [partnership] are focused on several key areas of cooperation that are vital for the development of both organizations and the communities they serve,” the TESDA official said.

It can be recalled that in February 2024, TESDA and the Philippine Army signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that aims to provide soldiers with TESDA's technical vocational education and training (TVET) programs. These programs will equip soldiers with valuable skills that are applicable both during their military service and in civilian life afterward

The partnership also extends training opportunities to marginalized communities, including indigenous peoples, former rebels, and residents of remote areas. Trained Army personnel will assist TESDA in conducting these community-based training programs, particularly in areas that are harder to reach.

“TESDA is fully committed to fulfilling its responsibilities under the MOU, from the provision of free skills training and assessment and certification subject to compliance with regulations and funding availability, and assistance in the registration of Philippine Army training programs under the TESDA guidelines,” added DDG Villanueva.

Meanwhile, also present during the rollout ceremony were TESDA Directors Jovencio M. Ferrer Jr., Archie A. Grande, and Eric O. Ueda, as well as Maj. Kenneth P. Maglia (AGS), Col. Patrick De Villa GSC (INF), and P2LT Mark Joel C. Sibulo of the Philippine Army along with other staff and personnel of TESDA and PA.
         
The collaboration is part of TESDA’s broader efforts to provide accessible education to marginalized sectors and supports the Army’s commitment to the holistic development of its personnel.