“TESDA has just gained a genuinely hard-working, wise, and empathetic leader in the person of our well-esteemed colleague and friend, Representative Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez (Negros Occidental, 3rd District),” shared by Rep. Paul R, Daza (1st District, Northern Samar) as soon as he heard of the news of the former’s appointment as the agency’s head.
Prior to Benitez’ appointment by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., he was the chairperson of the committee on housing and urban development and vice chairperson of the committee on creative industry and performing arts.
“Rep Kiko, as he is fondly called, is highly regarded at the House; he’s a staunch advocate of education. I recall that he also served as President of the Philippine Women’s University from 2010 to 2019. Education is in his DNA,” the solon from Northern Samar added.
The lawmaker from Negros Occidental serves as a commissioner of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2).
Recently, President Marcos approved House Concurrent Resolution 28, where Benitez was among the principal authors. The resolution proposed the creation of a Cabinet Cluster for Education, effectively ensuring strong coordination among 68 interagency bodies that are handling education concerns.
“I also wish for people to know that Rep Kiko is very passionate about socialized housing. I remember his hard work in pushing for Resolution 1468 in the previous congress. This urged the executive department to mobilize more resources to accelerate housing production for underserved families. As this is something that I also support, I remember how deeply committed he is on this matter,” Daza recalled.
The legislator also shared that Benitez is also the principal author of HB 9662, which will establish a framework for blue economy, if enacted into law.
“I share his advocacies. Remember, the Philippines is an archipelagic country—our oceans are wider than our lands. We need to rethink our development framework. An estimate in 2007 has put the value of our marine and coastal ecosystems at USD6.35 billion or PhP 285.75 billion (at USD1=PHP 45 exchange rate) in total annual net benefits,” Daza stressed.
The said bill was recently passed on second reading in the Senate.
“It’s very important that the head in TESDA understands the complexities and needs of the Philippine economy. That way, we could do our best to match our skills, talents, and competencies with the requirements of industries. Rep Kiko is then perfect for the job,” Daza added.
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