President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday said the government’s nearly Php 19-billion allocation for Technical Education and Skills Development Authority scholarships would widen access to skills training and improve job prospects for more Filipinos.
He made the remarks during the graduation of 1,150 Tesda scholars in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
Marcos said the allocation marked the largest scholarship budget given to Tesda so far.
The graduates completed National Certificate II programs in dressmaking and bartending, which certify intermediate-level competencies in their respective fields.
Marcos said stronger investment in technical education could help workers qualify for better employment while supporting household incomes and economic activity.
He also cited the expansion of the Enterprise-Based Education and Training program, which was designed to align skills development more closely with the needs of employers.
The government likewise broadened access to the Tesda Online Program to reach learners who may have difficulty attending face-to-face training.
Marcos said the administration expected the graduates to use their certifications to pursue employment opportunities in the Philippines and overseas.