Indian courses upskill Phl gov’t HR
India’s constructive role in the Philippines, founded on a development model focused on capacity building and resource development, has helped an untold number of Filipino public servants improve their civil service. This development thrust was recently celebrated at the ITEC Day reception on 22 March to recognize some 100 alums of Indian vocational education.
Since its inception in 1964, ITEC has reached an estimated 300,000 participants from 160 partner countries, including the Philippines, an important ITEC partner according to Indian ambassador in Manila Shambhu Kumaran, and is now allotted 65 ITEC slots annually.
Over 1,000 Philippine nationals have participated in a gamut of diverse disciplines, such as Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Technologies, Engineering and Technology, Agriculture, Entrepreneurship, Trade, Election, Pharmaceuticals, Auditing.
“This year, we were happy to see personnel from Comelec and Commission on Audit participating in ITEC programs for the first time,” Kumaran said.
The range of defense training slots offered to the Philippines and the number of Philippine defense personnel attending defense training in India has also increased steadily.
Defense training covers specialized fields like maritime capabilities, diving, aerospace, safety.
Fifty-six slots have been offered to the Philippines this year, giving opportunities to defense officials from the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force.
“For the first time ever, Philippine Coast Guard personnel are availing of training courses this year. Twenty-two defense slots have been availed [as of press time],” Kumaran said.
Recently, India launched a new initiative under the
ITEC program, called e-ITEC, based on modern tools of distance learning.
Kumaran said: “The new digital format program proved immensely useful after travel restrictions were imposed globally due to pandemic. We are delighted that over 142 participants from the Philippines have benefited from the e-ITEC modality. Last year, a tailor-made course for officials from Department of Finance and Department of Budget and Management was organized.”
India and the Philippines has continuously built their partnership in this key aspect of cooperation, reflecting the democracies’ shared resolve to harness the greatest asset they both pride themselves in: human resource.
“India’s approach to development partnership is based on the principles of equality, mutual respect and is needs-based, building of the priorities of the partner countries. It is shaped by our belief that strengthening and augmenting national capacities especially skill development, are essential for sustained progress,” Kumaran said. “Our capacity building initiatives with partner countries also stem from the spirit of solidarity to enhance mutual learning for shared and sustainable growth.”
“We are entering the best and certainly the most substantive phase of India-Philippines relations. From economic and trade ties, to close political dialogue, to our growing defense and security partnership, as well as our culture, education and people-to-people interactions, we are witnessing more and varied, as well as deeper and meaningful engagement between our countries,” Kumaran said. “Our ITEC and training engagement is a powerful strand in this wide-ranging and mutually beneficial people centric partnership.”
The range of defense training slots offered to the Philippines and the number of Philippine defense personnel attending defense training in India has also increased steadily.