TESDA vows expanded training, employment opportunities in 2026

January 08, 2026

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) begins 2026 with renewed focus on delivering quality skills training, opening pathways to employment, and preparing Filipinos for the demands of the future workforce. Secretary Kiko Benitez has laid out the agency’s 2026 priorities, emphasizing the importance of maximizing resources to generate tangible impact for learners across the country. “This year, we are fortunate to have the biggest budget in TESDA’s history, pero hindi lang ito tungkol sa mas malaking pondo. This means more training, more programs, and more jobs for Filipinos. Nais nating siguraduhin na ang bawat piso ay napupunta sa tamang programa at prayoridad,” Sec. Kiko said in a recent press conference. The TESDA chief also thanked President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for his support of technical vocational education and training (TVET). Among TESDA’s 2026 priorities is the Digital Skills Passport, a platform designed to document learner competencies, support personalized learning pathways, and link skills to training and employment opportunities. At the same time, the platform enables employers to verify workers’ credentials more efficiently and reduce hiring timelines. TESDA will also scale up digital upskilling programs, strengthen partnerships with LGUs to deliver training at the community level, and expand programs for high-demand, future-ready industries such as semiconductors, renewable energy, and electric vehicles. Further, Sec. Kiko said that the agency aims to train between 600,000 and 650,000 learners nationwide, with the rollout of a P19-billion scholarship program this year. Previously, in 2025, with strong backing from the President, TESDA strengthened TVET as a key pillar of the country’s education and workforce agenda, ensuring smoother transitions from education to employment and preparing Filipino workers for the demands of a rapidly evolving labor market. Among the major policy reforms were the rollout of the Training Regulations for Early Childhood Care and Development Services NC III, expanded micro-credentialing system, and strengthened partnerships with DepEd and CHED, highlighting the effectiveness of TVET in preparing Filipinos for meaningful employment. “Every training session, every assessment, and every certification issued contributes directly to our mission of connecting training to trabaho. This year, we have even greater opportunities to make an impact on the lives of Filipinos nationwide,” Sec. Kiko said.