The Economy and Development Council, chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has approved the official development assistance loan financing for the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s (TESDA) P15.76-billion workforce development project.
The approved funding will support TESDA’s Boosting Employability in Strategic Technical and Vocational Education and Training Sectors, or BEST Project.
TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez welcomed the approval, describing the initiative as a major investment in building a future-ready Filipino workforce.
The BEST Project aims to expand access to quality technical-vocational education and training, improve assessment and certification rates, and strengthen workforce readiness in key industries with high labor demand.
TESDA said the project will focus on strategic sectors such as information and communications technology, manufacturing, construction, and agri-fishery.
The agency said the initiative forms part of its continuing efforts to equip more Filipinos with industry-relevant skills that can improve employability, support access to quality jobs, and contribute to the country’s long-term economic growth.