The Makati Business Club (MBC) said it welcomes the appointment of Rep. Francisco Benitez as the new director-general of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
As a member of the House of Representatives, Benitez has been a strong advocate for education and skills development.
Benitez’s extensive experience in the education sector including his roles as the former president of the Philippine Women’s University and commissioner at the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EdCom2), positions him well to steer TESDA in its mission to provide quality technical-vocational education and training (TVET), the MBC said in a statement.
Benitez has been a valuable partner of MBC in advancing sustainability initiatives through the Circular Economy Act and other legislation.
“While we regret his departure from this vital role, we are confident that his expertise will be instrumental in propelling forward the Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Development [AMDev] program, a key MBC initiative supported by USAID and the Unilab Foundation,” MBC said.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), announced that advanced learning systems and technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT) would be offered to all TVET regional centers.
This significant step demonstrates the administration’s commitment to equipping the Filipino workforce with in-demand skills.
“We are optimistic that under director-general Benitez’s leadership, TESDA can successfully upskill the Filipino workforce and prepare them for high-value jobs,” the MBC said.
The group said it looks forward to working with TESDA and supporting Benitez as he leads the agency in its mission to develop a world-class Filipino workforce.