TESDA, PCCI to enhance PH enterprise-based TVET

THE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) inks partnership with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) to set up a Nationwide Pre-employment Dual Education and Training System (NPDETS) for the improvement of the enterprise-based Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system in the country.

Tesda chief Secretary Isidro Lapeña, PCCI President Ambassador Benedicto Yujuico, and PCCI Human Resources Development Foundation (HRDF) President Dr. Alberto P. Fenix Jr. signed the memorandum of agreement yesterday, January 16 at the Tesda Boardroom in Taguig City.

The NPDETS, to be established under the “Tesda-PCCI Partnership on Strengthened Enterprise-Based TVET System in the Philippines,” aims to nationalize the Dual Education and Training (DET) system in the country – an approach piloted by PCCI in 2014 through its Human Resources Development Foundation, in which students are trained both in schools and in companies – a model which was proven to increase chances of employment in developed countries like Germany.

The same instructional method has been utilized by Tesda since the promulgation of Republic Act No. 7686, or the “Dual Training System (DTS) Act of 1994,” which implements a training plan collaboratively designed by accredited institutions and training centers, including business establishments, ensuring the effective sharing of industry skills and knowledge on recent and developing technologies.

“As Tesda works towards becoming the transformational leader in the technical education and skills development of the Filipino workforce, we make sure to be constantly updated on various industries’ trends and best practices, which also involves convergence with other institutions such as PCCI,” Lapeña said.

“We show our support to the country’s various businesses and industries by extending our services in the form of technical assistance provided to our partners, who are frontliners in the said areas,” he added.

As with the DTS, under DET, students who have taken their respective TVET trainings will benefit from the combination of practical, on-the-job, enterprise-based training, and theoretical education.

“Once operationalized, our ACES (business associations, chambers, enterprises, and schools) will be able to take more active roles in establishing competency standards, developing curriculum and training plans, as well as conducting assessment and certification of students/trainees,” Dr. Alberto P. Fenix Jr., President of PCCI HRDF said.

Activities for this partnership entail the identification of priority industry sectors where DET will be implemented.

Priority sectors include agriculture, hotel and restaurant/ tourism, construction, and information and communications technology (ICT).

ACES, in partnership with Tesda, will be able to identify qualifications and competencies from these sectors which will translate into the development of DET Programs for replication.

The training regulations developed will help students/ trainees meet expected training outcomes sought for by priority sectors.

Furthermore, NPDETS will capacitate and accredit ACES, set up assessment procedures and establish a joint-certification system recognized by both the business sector and Tesda.

PCCI is the largest business organization in the country advocating for business growth and sustainable development for the business community especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

As Tesda works towards becoming the transformational leader in the technical education and skills development of the Filipino workforce, we make sure to be constantly updated on various industries’ trends and best practices, which also involves convergence with other institutions such as PCCI ISIDRO LAPEÑA

Tesda chief Secretary