Every year, almost all government agencies propose higher budgets to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for approval by Congress.Yet their budgets have remained almost the same for the past five years or so. They are required, however, to deliver higher outputs every year.
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) manages this situation by establishing links with local government units, non-government organizations, industry associations and international funding organizations to tap additional resources – funds, manpower, equipment, etc.
For one, TESDA has been a recipient of various overseas development assistance from countries such as Germany, Japan, Australia and Korea for the strengthening of its capability and capacity to manage the technical vocational and education and training (TVET) system in the country. These aids came as a product of research, networking and series of project proposals writing done by the agency.
Linkages with LGU and legislators
TESDA also works with LGUs and legislators who have funds but not the expertise and manpower to implement their desired programs.
Through TESDA’s Invigorating Constituent Assistance in Reinforcing Employment (I-CARE) program, LGUs and legislators provide funding for building construction or refurbishment, scholarship, training supplies and materials and/or equipment while TESDA assigns the trainers, conducts the training program and assists the graduates in their job placement.
At the Baguio City School of Arts and Trades, for example, the city government has institutionalized a P3 million grant for training of Baguio City out-of-school youths and the unemployed.
Another good model of TESDA-LGU partnership in TVET is in Guimaras where the Provincial Training and Enterprise Development Center was established. The LGU provides training supplies and materials, additional equipment. In 2009, the center has trained 1,079 persons in priority sectors such as tourism, food processing, metals and engineering and construction. It has reported a 70 percent employment rate of its graduates.
The establishment of the Laua-an Technical Education and Skills Training Center, is another product of the collaboration among TESDA, the municipal government and the Sangguniang Kabataan of Laua-an, Antique. Started in 2004, it has provided employment opportunities to the residents through skills training in small engine repair, auto diesel servicing, welding, building wiring, plumbing and sewing.
Training partnerships with industry
Tapping the technology, facilities and equipment of companies, TESDA has offered a co-management scheme with industry associations. TESDA and the companies jointly design the curriculum, select the trainees, and assign trainers, with the programs mostly done in TESDA schools and training centers nationwide. Most of the time, member-companies hire the graduates of their training program. Some of these company partners are Isuzu Motors, Honda, Toyota Motors, Nissan, HOLCIM Phils., Aerotechnic Services, Center for Advanced Training in Food and Beverage Services, CATIA Foundation, Metalworking Industry Association of the Philippines, Mechatronics and Robotics Society of the Philippines, Original Equipment Manufacturers Association of the Philippines, Philippine Agricultural Commercial and Industrial Workers Union, Pacific Cement Phils. and many more.
In Tacloban City, Isuzu donated funds for the buildings, equipment, tools, supplies and materials and other costs for the operation of the TESDA Auto Mechanic Training Center. TESDA manages the training, administers competency assessment and facilitates the employment of the graduates.
Enrollment in TVET courses grew by 240 percent from 584 thousand in 2000 to 1.98 million in 2009. Graduates, on the other hand, rose by 242 percent from 556 thousand in 2000 to 1.90 million in 2009. In the end, inadequate budget appropriation is never an excuse for TESDA. With creative ideas, innovative strategies and good packaging, resources will definitely flow in.
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