February 04, 2025
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is paving the way for stronger international partnerships with Israel and Botswana to strengthen technical-vocational education and training (TVET) in the Philippines.
Last January 20, His Excellency Ilan Fluss, the Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines, paid a courtesy visit to TESDA Director General, Secretary Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez at the TESDA Central Office in Taguig City.
During the meeting, Secretary Benitez expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Israeli government for its support in improving agriculture-related TVET programs in the Philippines. Likewise, both officials discussed future collaborations to further modernize vocational training, particularly for programs in the agriculture sector.
Israel's Agrostudies International Training Center together with TESDA, offers an 11-month agricultural internship program. This initiative provides Filipino trainees with hands-on experience in advanced farm technologies, focusing on horticulture, animal science, and entrepreneurial initiatives.
Meanwhile, Botswana Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Major General Gotsileene Morake (Ret.), also met with Secretary Benitez last January 13. Their discussion focused on potential joint initiatives to enhance skills development in both countries.
Ambassador Morake emphasized Botswana’s flagship "Vocational Brigades" program, which is designed to equip youth with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship, also aligns with TESDA’s mission to empower the Filipino workforce.
In a statement, Secretary Benitez highlighted the importance of strengthening international partnerships, “TESDA’s engagement with countries like Israel and Botswana reflects our commitment to preparing Filipino workers for a globalized world.”
Likewise, he reaffirmed that these partnerships open doors for innovation, knowledge-sharing, and joint initiatives that further enrich the agency’s training initiatives.
“Learning from the experiences of countries like Israel and Botswana helps us strengthen our training programs to better serve Filipino workers and address both local and international workforce needs, ensuring no Filipino is left behind,” the TESDA chief added.
With its sights set on more global cooperation, TESDA continues to build bridges with international partners to ensure the Filipino workforce remains skilled and adaptable.
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