The following is the transcript of the speech of Sec. Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez, Director-General of Technical Education and Skills Development (TESDA) during the 21st Dual Training System (DTS) Recognition held on November 25, 2024 at TESDA Regional TVET Innovation Center.
“It is an honor to join you today on this momentous occasion—the 21st Dual Training System Recognition of Industry Partners organized by the CITE Technical Institute, Inc. This event is a testament to the enduring partnership and shared vision between CITE and its industry partners to equip the Filipino workforce with skills that meet the ever-evolving demands of the labor market.
I commend CITE for your long-standing excellence in the implementation of the Dual Training System (DTS). Recognized as BEST DTS Practice Awardee and Best DTS Partnership Awardee year 2003 and 2007 respectively, CITE continues to uphold its commitment to providing technical training to the less privileged youth, deeply rooted in moral and work values, and strongly linked to families and industry.
CITE has a remarkable track record of producing skilled graduates. With a total of 5,479 graduates from the Industrial Technician Program and diploma program, and an additional 8,530 graduates from the Production Technology or Industry Skills Training Program, CITE has significantly contributed to the development of a skilled workforce in the region. The Production Technology program, in particular, has empowered countless out-of-school youth by providing them with essential skills for employment in various industries.
Your efforts have not only driven economic and social development in Cebu and the Central Visayas but have also set a benchmark for what enterprise-based education can achieve when driven by dedication, innovation, and a deep sense of social responsibility. Your unwavering support and participation in the Dual Training System have been instrumental in ensuring that trainees are equipped with real-world, job-ready skills.
Our partnership is now more vital than ever, as we implement Republic Act No. 12063, the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Act. This game-changing measure will rationalize different EBET delivery modalities of apprenticeship, learnership, and dual training system modalities under one cohesive structure.
According to TESDA’s 2022 Study on the Employment of TVET Graduates, EBET provides the best chances of employment among TESDA’s three modalities. Data shows that 88.22% of EBET graduates find employment.
Given this statistic, it’s surprising that EBET only comprises 1.8% of TVET graduates, while 64.4% come from institution-based training, and 33.78% are from community-based training. There is a clear need to increase the number of EBET TVET graduates in the country to address unemployment and underemployment.
Good news for our enterprise partners like yourselves, the new law increases tax incentives for participating enterprises that offer EBET programs. This is the highest tax incentive for companies implementing enterprise-based training. Starting in 2028, companies can claim a tax deduction of 75% of their training costs, up from the current 50%. The law also provides for the establishment of a one-stop shop or online portal to process the availment of tax deductions.
With increased support for the industry sector and a more simplified process, we hope to encourage greater industry participation in EBET programs. By empowering industries to play a more active role in training and development.
We will be designing more training programs according to the workforce needs of our priority industries in IT-BPM, construction, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, creative industries, healthcare, energy, and tourism.
The EBET law explicitly defines the role of the industry sector and industry boards, further strengthening industry involvement in TVET. This will enable industries to tailor training programs to their specific needs, leading to a more skilled and productive workforce equipped with the skills needed to drive economic growth.
However, one of the key challenges facing TVET is the perception that vocational education is inferior to academic education. To address this issue, we must all work together to promote the value of technical-vocational education and highlight the many career opportunities available to TVET graduates. By showcasing the success stories of TVET graduates, we can inspire young people to pursue technical-vocational education and training.
As the Director General of TESDA, I affirm that we will work closely with enterprises in designing training programs according to your workforce needs.
Part of our TESDABest 8-Point Agenda is to increase access to TVET through scholarship programs for enterprise-based training. We will provide scholarships for EBET trainees under the Tulong Trabaho Fund and the Training for Work Scholarship Program. Revenues from TESDA scholarship grants will be used to help enterprises compensate trainers, improve facilities, and upgrade equipment for EBET programs.
Moreover, these partnerships facilitate job placement opportunities for graduates, increasing their employability and contributing to the overall economic growth of the nation.
Through initiatives like the EBET Act and the unwavering support of institutions like CITE, we are moving closer to realizing a dynamic and inclusive TVET system that empowers individuals and drives national economic growth by opening up opportunities for better experiential and immersive learning.
Today’s recognition is a celebration of the synergy between CITE and its industry partners—a synergy that has created opportunities for thousands of young Filipinos to improve their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.
I express my deepest gratitude to all industry partners here today for your dedication to the Dual Training System and enterprise-based training. Your commitment has been instrumental in ensuring the success of TVET in Region VII.
As we move forward, let’s continue to strengthen our partnerships, innovate, and commit to building a TVET system that meets the demands of the future. Together, we can empower every Filipino and drive national progress.
Congratulations to CITE and its industry partners on this significant milestone. Let this recognition inspire us to achieve even greater heights in advancing technical-vocational education and training.
Daghang salamat, ug padayon ta sa pagsuporta sa TVET!
Let us continue work together, basta sama-sama, sa TESDA Kayang-kaya!
Mabuhay ang TVET! Mabuhay ang TESDA!