Empowering Filipino stylists: TESDA, PBSP, and L’Oréal forge training partnership

October 15, 2025

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with non-governmental organization Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), and leading beauty company L’Oréal Philippines to strengthen skills training and livelihood opportunities under the Beauty for a Better Life (BFBL) program.

The partnership aims to enhance the Hairdressing NC II program by integrating international standards and practices from L’Oréal. This includes advanced training for trainers and assessors, updated curriculum, and access to professional-grade products and tools. 

TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez emphasized that the collaboration with L’Oréal Philippines and PBSP highlights the power of skills development to create opportunities. He noted that aligning TESDA’s training programs with international standards will not only raise industry benchmarks but also give Filipino hairdressers access to better employment and entrepreneurial prospects.

“This not only raises the standards of the industry, but also opens pathways for our workers to access better jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities,” Sec. Kiko said.

Further, the initiative also introduces the L’Oréal Color Certification, a globally recognized program that will enable Filipino hairdressers to specialize as professional colorists.

Through PBSP’s support, scholars will receive allowances and starter kits, while L’Oréal will provide industry expertise, training resources, and access to the L’Oréal Academy, which is now an accredited TESDA assessment center.

For his part, L’Oréal Philippines Country Managing Director Yassine Bakkari stressed that the company views beauty as a transformative force. He said their partnership with TESDA reflects L’Oréal’s commitment to inclusive growth by opening access to education and livelihood opportunities, particularly for women and underserved communities

“By equipping Filipino stylists with world-class skills, we are creating livelihood opportunities and strengthening the future of Philippine hairdressing,” Bakkari said.

With this new agreement, TESDA, PBSP and L’Oréal will expand the BFBL program further, training at least 50 new aspiring hairdressers in 2025, equipping them with skills in haircutting, styling and coloring to meet both local and global demand.z`