What is TESDA? A Comprehensive Overview to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority

What is TESDA? A Comprehensive Overview to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority

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What is TESDA

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), one of the new attached agencies under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), is a Philippine government agency.

Tasked with the responsibility of enhancing technical education and skills training, TESDA plays a crucial role in equipping individuals with the necessary expertise for personal and professional development.

TESDA is all about making education reachable by providing direct training to make sure everyone has the same chance to benefit from its programs. 

And the best part? 

There’s no tuition fee for any of their technical vocational education and training (TVET) programs.

In this article, we’ve taken a closer look at TESDA—the force behind technical education and skills development in the Philippines. 

Let’s get started.

History and Founding

1994: Establishment of TESDA

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority came into existence with the enactment of Republic Act No. 7796, also known as the “Technical Education and Skills Development Act of 1994.” 

President Fidel V. Ramos signed this significant act into law on August 25, 1994.

1988: Formation through Merger

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s roots trace back to 1988 when it was crafted through the consolidation of key entities. 

The merger involved bringing together the National Manpower and Youth Council of the Department of Labor and Employment, the Bureau of Technical and Vocational Education of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports, and The Apprenticeship Program of the Bureau of Local Employment of DOLE.

National Technical Education and Skills Development Plan

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s foundational framework rests on the National Technical Education and Skills Development Plan. 

This comprehensive development plan for middle-level manpower outlines Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s major thrusts. 

It envisions a reformed industry-based training program, incorporating apprenticeship, the dual training system, and other similar schemes to meet the evolving needs of the workforce.

Mandate, Mission and Vision

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, formed in 1994 under Republic Act 7796, is the Philippine government’s key agency for overseeing technical education and skills development. 

Its mandate amalgamates functions from the former National Manpower and Youth Council, the Bureau of Technical-Vocational Education, and the Office of Apprenticeship. 

With a vision to lead the transformation in technical education and skills development for the Filipino workforce, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority commits to setting direction, promulgating standards, and implementing programs for a quality-assured and inclusive system. 

Upholding values of demonstrated competence, institutional integrity, personal commitment, innovativeness, and nationalism, TESDA’s quality policy centers on measuring success through customer satisfaction, coupled with a dedication to compliance, continuous improvement, and excellence in strategic decisions, effectiveness, responsiveness, value-added performance, integrity, citizen focus, and efficiency.

TESDA Board

   The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Board comprises the following members:

Government Sector:

  • Chairperson: Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
  • Co-Chairperson: VP Sara Z. Duterte, Department of Education (DepEd)
  • Undersecretary for Human Resource and Organizational Development: Usec. Gloria Jumamil-Mercado, Department of Education
  • Co-Chairperson: Secretary Alfredo Pascual, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
  • Undersecretary, CIG: Usec. Rafaelita M. Aldaba, Department of Trade & Industry (DTI)
  • Department of Agriculture (DA): President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
  • Senior Undersecretary, Department of Agriculture (DA): Usec. Domingo F. Panganiban
  • Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG): Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr.
  • Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG): Usec. Lord A. Villanueva
  • Technical Education and Skills Development Authority: Secretary Suharto T. Mangudadatu, Ph.D.
  • Department of Science and Technology (DOST): Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr.
  • Department of Science and Technology (DOST): Usec. Maridon O. Sahagun
  • Commission on Higher Education (CHED): Chairman Prospero E. De Vera, III, DPA

Private Sector:

  • Labor Sector: Rene Luis M Tadle, Board Member
  • Labor Sector: Ramon R. De Leon, Board Member
  • Employer Sector: Dr. Leonida Bayani-Ortiz, Board Member
  • Business & Investment Sector: Ms. Mary G. Ng, Board Member
  • Education & Training Sector: Mr. Onofre Gregorio Inocencio Jr. SDB, Board Member

Career Opportunities

Discover exciting opportunities to shape the future of technical education in the Philippines with TESDA. 

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority is all about providing chances for personal and professional growth, creating an inclusive environment, and contributing to a skilled and competitive workforce.

Why Technical Education and Skills Development Authority?

  • Make a Difference: Be part of transforming technical education and skills development in the country.
  • Team Spirit: Join a diverse and friendly team at Technical Education and Skills Development Authority that values excellence and innovation.
  • Keep Learning: Get ongoing chances to learn and grow your skills.
  • Grow with TESDA: Explore career opportunities in various areas like program development, administration, and training.

Job Openings

Check out the current job openings at Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, including roles in program development, administration, training, and more.

Main Office

The central office of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority is located at the following address:

  • E Service Rd, Taguig, 1630 Metro Manila, Philippines

You can contact them at this phone number: +63 2 8888 5641.

Regional Field Offices

BARMM

The Regional Office for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) under Technical Education and Skills Development Authority is led by Officer-in-Charge Ruby A. Andong. The office is located at RMDC Complex, Brgy. Rebuken, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, with contact numbers TF (064) 429-0068 and TF (064) 429-0005. For inquiries, you can reach them via email at barmm@tesda.gov.ph.

CAR

The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) TESDA office, headed by Regional Director Balmyrson M. Valdez, is located at #32 Magsaysay Drive, Loakan Proper, Baguio City. For inquiries, you can contact them at the following telephone numbers: TF (074) 447-3487, T (074) 305-2348, T (074) 305-1905, and T (074) 442-0867. They can also be reached via fax at TF (074) 447-3487 or through email at CAR@tesda.gov.ph.

NCR

The Regional Office for the National Capital Region (NCR) is led by JOVENCIO M. FERRER, JR., who serves as the Regional Director for TESDA National Capital Region (NCR). The office is located at Building 15, TESDA Gate 2, TESDA Complex, East Service Road, South Superhighway, Taguig, Metro Manila. You can reach them by phone at TF 811-3499, TF 817-2781, TF 810-2540, and TF 893-6184. For correspondence, the fax number is TF 811-3499, TF 817-2781, TF 810-2540, TF 893-6184, and the email address is NCR@tesda.gov.ph.

Region I – Ilocos Region

In the Ilocos Region, the TESDA Regional Office is under the leadership of JOEL M. PILOTIN, who serves as the Regional Director. The office is situated at Quezon Avenue, Brgy. Catbangen, City of San Fernando, La Union. For inquiries, you can contact them at (0961) 741-9306, and communication via email can be directed to region1@tesda.gov.ph.

Region II – Cagayan Valley

Heading the Cagayan Valley TESDA Regional Office is VINCENT ALJON A. CIFRA, who holds the position of Regional Director. You can find the office located at TESDA Complex, Carig Norte, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. Feel free to reach out to them at TF (078) 396-1088 or F (078) 304-7785, and for email correspondence, you can contact region2@tesda.gov.ph.

Region III – Central Luzon

The Central Luzon TESDA Regional Office is under the leadership of TONI JUNE A. TAMAYO, who serves as the Regional Director. You can find their office at Gov’t Center, Bo., Maimpis, San Fernando City. For inquiries, you can contact them at TF (045) 455-3498 or TF (045) 455-3630. Fax communications are also accepted at (045) 455-3498 / (045) 455-3630, and you can reach them via email at region3@tesda.gov.ph.

Region IV-A – CALABARZON

BARON JOSE L. LAGRAN serves as the Regional Director for the TESDA Regional Office in CALABARZON (Region IV-A). The office is located on the 2nd floor of the Provincial Training Center (PTC) Lipa, The Olan’s Place, Purok 2, Brgy. Marawoy, Lipa City, Batangas. If you need to get in touch, you can reach them at (043) 233-0506, or you can send an email to region4A@tesda.gov.ph.

Region IV-B – MIMAROPA

ANGELINA M. CARREON is at the helm as the Regional Director for TESDA Regional Office in MIMAROPA (Region IV-B). The office is situated in Villamor Compound, Tawiran, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro. Feel free to connect with them at TF (043) 288-9408, (0977) 802-4836, or (0917) 132-4906. If you prefer email, drop a message at region4B@tesda.gov.ph.

Region V – Bicol Region

ARCHIE A. GRANDE holds the position of Regional Director at TESDA Regional Office in Bicol (Region V). The office is located at Regional Center Site, Rawis, Legaspi City. You can get in touch with them via phone at TF (052) 482-1250 or TF (052) 482-2101. For written communication, send an email to region5@tesda.gov.ph.

Region VI – Western Visayas

FLORENCIO F. SUNICO, JR. is the Regional Director at TESDA Regional Office in Western Visayas (Region VI). The office is situated at Zamora St., Iloilo City. Feel free to reach out to them by phone at T (033) 509-7099, T (033) 335-0860, T (033) 336-2618, T (033) 336-9706, or T (033) 509-8355. If you prefer written communication, drop an email to region6@tesda.gov.ph.

Region VII – Central Visayas

Ramon Evan T. Ruiz holds the position of Regional Director at TESDA Regional Office in Central Visayas (Region VII). The office is located on Archbishop Reyes Ave., Cebu City. You can get in touch with them by phone at T (032) 412-0307, T (032) 412-0306, or TF (032) 231-1596. If you prefer sending emails, the address is region7@tesda.gov.ph.

Region VIII – Eastern Visayas

GAMALIEL B. VICENTE, JR. is at the helm as the Regional Director of TESDA Regional Office in Eastern Visayas (Region VIII). The office is situated in TESDA Compound, Abucay, Tacloban City. You can reach them by phone at T (053) 832-4474, TF (053) 832-4472, or TF (053) 832-4473. For electronic correspondence, drop them an email at region8@tesda.gov.ph.

Region IX – Zamboanga Peninsula

In the Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX), TESDA Regional Office is under the capable leadership of TARHATA S. MAPANDI, who serves as the Regional Director. You can find their office at Brgy. Sto. Niño, Provincial Capitol Compound, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur. To get in touch, give them a ring at TF (062) 925-3075 or send a fax to (062) 925-3075. For any email correspondence, reach out to region9@tesda.gov.ph.

Region X – Northern Mindanao

For the Northern Mindanao region (Region X), DAN M. NAVARRO leads as the Regional Director of TESDA Regional Office. You can find their office at P. Chavez-Jupiter St., Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City. Feel free to get in touch via phone at TF (088) 857-1665, TF (088) 227-25519, or TF (088) 227-21943. If you prefer electronic communication, reach out to them via email at region10@tesda.gov.ph.

Region XI – Davao Region

In the Davao region (Region XI), ASHARY A. BANTO serves as the Regional Director of TESDA. You can find their office at 616 Int.2, Rimas St., Aquino Subd., J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City. If you need to reach out, feel free to give them a call at T (082) 287-0619, T (082) 221-8778, or (0918) 936-5413. For electronic communication, you can reach them via email at region11@tesda.gov.ph.

Region XII – SOCCSKSARGEN

In the SOCCSKSARGEN region (Region XII), the Regional Director of TESDA is RAFAEL Y. ABROGAR II. You can find their office at the Prime Regional Center, Barangay Carpenter Hill. To get in touch, you can call them at TF (083) 228-9723 or T (083) 228-1160. For electronic communication, their email is region12@tesda.gov.ph.

Region XIII – Caraga

In the CARAGA region (Region XIII), TESDA is led by JERRY G. TIZON as the Regional Director. Their office is located at G/F Balibrea Bldg., Pili Drive, Butuan City. For inquiries, you can reach them at TF (085) 815-7324, TF (085) 341-5220, or T (085) 225-3966. If you prefer electronic communication, their email is CARAGA@tesda.gov.ph.

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Offices & Centers

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority does not have any attached agencies or bureaus.

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority is a government agency formed by combining the National Manpower and Youth Council (NMYC) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Bureau of Technical and Vocational Education (BTVE) of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), and The Apprenticeship Program of the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) of DOLE.

Within Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s structure, you’ll find various offices and centers, each serving specific functions:

  • Office of the Director General (ODG): The primary office overseeing TESDA’s overall operations.
  • Office of the Deputy Director General for TESD Operations (ODDG, TESDO): Focuses on the day-to-day technical education and skills development operations.
  • Office of the Deputy Director General for Special Concerns (ODDG, SC): Deals with special concerns and unique aspects of TESDA’s mission.
  • Office of the Deputy Director General for Administration and Finance (ODDG, AF): Manages administrative and financial aspects of TESDA.
  • Office of the Deputy Director-General (DDG) for Policies and Planning (ODDG-PP): Formulates policies and plans for TESDA.
  • TESDA Board Secretariat (TBS): Handles matters related to the TESDA Board.
  • Internal Audit Service (IAS): Ensures compliance and efficiency through internal auditing.
  • Legal Division (LD): Manages legal affairs and provides legal support to TESDA.
  • National Language Skills Center (NLSC): Focuses on language skills development.
  • Human Resource Development Center (HRDC): Concentrates on the development of human resources.
  • TESDA Women Center (TWC): Addresses the specific needs and concerns of women in technical education and skills development.

These offices and centers work collectively to fulfill TESDA’s mission and contribute to the growth of technical education and skills development in the country.

Conclusion

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority is a community that values not just what you know, but who you are becoming. It’s where dreams get the wings of practical skills, and aspirations are fueled by the flame of knowledge.

In closing, future Technical Education and Skills Development Authority applicants, here’s a quick roundup to maximize your application:

  • Stay True to Yourself: Authenticity matters. Let your genuine passion for learning shine through.
  • Leverage Achievements: Showcase your successes, be it in academics or previous roles.
  • Express Eagerness to Learn: Convey your excitement about acquiring new skills—it’s a big deal at TESDA.
  • Customize Your Application: Tailor your application to match what TESDA is looking for in the specific program you’re eyeing.
  • Highlight Unique Skills: If you’ve got special talents, don’t be shy—flaunt them.
  • Be Clear and Concise: Keep it simple. A well-organized application that’s easy to read is a winner.

Approach your application with confidence, determination, and a genuine desire to make a difference. 

Best of luck on your journey—where your potential meets boundless possibilities!