President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday outlined major milestones in the national government’s ongoing push to bridge the gap between the Philippine education system and the skills required by top priority industries.
Speaking during his visit to the Batangas State University (BSU) LIMA Campus and the Global Technical Center of Excellence (GTCOE) in Malvar, Batangas, President Marcos showcased key metrics demonstrating significant strides in workforce upskilling and technical training.
According to the President, stakeholders registered over 700 micro-credential competency programs between July 2022 and May 2026, surpassing the target set for June 2028 by more than 200 percent.
The administration also reported major gains in technical-vocational education and training (TVET). During the same four-year period, nearly five million TVET graduates underwent competency assessments. To support this influx, the government bolstered its assessment capacity, expanding the pool of TVET assessors from over 13,500 in July 2022 to 16,640 by May 2026.
Additionally, nearly 3,820 beneficiaries have enrolled in the Enterprise-based Education and Training Program as of April 2026.
“This initiative gives them hands-on experience in actual industry environments and increases their chance of employability,” President Marcos said. “Our accomplishments remind us of what is possible when we give our people the skills and the opportunities that they need.”
The visit coincided with the first anniversary of the GTCOE, located alongside BSU inside LIMA Estate. President Marcos commended Batangas State University for its vital role in bringing modern education closer to market demands.
BSU currently offers 10 undergraduate and eight graduate engineering programs, complemented by industry-tailored micro-credential courses that allow working professionals to upskill and gain certifications.
Furthermore, through its Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) for engineering and industrial technology, BSU enables experienced workers to convert prior on-the-job learning into formal college degrees.
Highlighting the GTCOE as a benchmark for successful public-private collaboration, President Marcos noted its impact on building technical expertise for the energy sector.
A joint initiative between AboitizPower and Japan’s JERA Co., Inc., the center serves as a specialized platform for technical training, cross-border knowledge sharing, and leadership development designed to equip energy professionals for evolving industry standards.