The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez has a clear message for Filipino students: upskilling is no longer optional—it’s essential.
Speaking at the post-SONA conference in San Juan City last week, Benitez emphasized the need for continuous learning in an ever-evolving job market. “Wala pong katapusan ang upskilling,” he said, stressing that as industries advance, so must the workforce’s skills.
Benitez said he hopes students recognize how acquiring technical skills and national certifications can significantly improve their chances of landing quality jobs—even right after senior high school.
In 2024 alone, TESDA awarded certifications to about 175,000 senior high school students.
With tech-voc training now being integrated into the senior high school curriculum, many students are already earning National Certificates (NC) II or III before graduating.
He also cited recent industry surveys showing that four out of five companies are open to hiring senior high school graduates—so long as they hold skills certifications.
“Constant upskilling and reskilling is key to closing the skills mismatch and preparing Filipinos for high-demand jobs,” Benitez added.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his fourth State of the Nation Address, announced that nearly P60 billion will be allocated to free education in state colleges and technical-vocational programs, signaling strong government support for lifelong learning.