CALASIAO, Pangasinan — The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Ilocos Region continues to provide industry-relevant training programs through its area-based, demand-driven Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) strategy.
During a Dec. 17 airing of the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas held in San Fernando City, La Union, Crescencia Boac, Acting Provincial Director of TESDA La Union, emphasized the importance of aligning education with the needs of local industries to drive inclusive development.
“This approach involves identifying specific skills requirements at the grassroots levels, congressional districts, and other key factors. We at TESDA actively engage stakeholders through focus group discussions with industry representatives and experts,” Boac said.
The insights gathered from these dialogues are used to forecast occupational demands for the next three to five years, shaping scholarship programs and training curricula.
“This ensures that our scholarships and training allocations are not based on mere assumptions; they are anchored on actual, data-driven assessments of what the industry needs,” she stated.
TESDA Ilocos Region by the number
This year, TESDA has recorded 24,967 graduates across the Ilocos Region through various scholarship programs. A total of 48,327 scholarship slots, amounting to P1.02 billion, were allocated, with 38,574 availed.
Pangasinan: 20,151 enrollees, 13,850 graduates
Ilocos Norte: 9,704 enrollees, 5,071 graduates
La Union: 5,123 enrollees, 3,542 graduates
Ilocos Sur: 3,596 enrollees, 2,494 graduates
Boac highlighted that agriculture, information and communications technology, electrical and electronics, and construction remain the most in-demand courses, directly responding to industry needs and contributing to productive employment.
TESDA student qualifications
Interested individuals who wish to be TESDA scholars must be at least 18 years old and have either completed high school or the Alternative Learning System (ALS).
For inquiries, visit the nearest TESDA office for a list of required documents and program offerings.
TESDA Ilocos remains steadfast in its mission to equip individuals with industry-aligned skills, bridging the gap between education and employment opportunities.(CCMT/JCDR, PIA Pangasinan)
