20/12/2025
TESDA STRENGTHENS PH–CHINA TVET COOPERATION
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), led by Secretary Kiko Benitez, concluded a strategic visit to China aimed at strengthening international cooperation and advancing globally competitive training for Filipino workers.
According to Sec. Kiko, these engagements provide valuable insights as TESDA continues to modernize Philippine TVET and align training programs with international standards and evolving industry needs.
“This partnership allows us to raise the quality of our training and ensure that Filipino workers are equipped with skills that meet international and industry standards. By working closely with our Chinese partners, we are creating more opportunities for our workers to succeed in a highly competitive global labor market,” the TESDA chief said.
A key highlight of the visit was TESDA’s participation in major milestones under the Philippines–China TVET partnership, including the announcement of deployment of 41 Chinese TVET standards done through TESDA's Adopt-Adapt Strategy, and the handover of 23 vocational competency standards under Phase II of the Philippine National Vocational Competency Standards Development Cooperation Project.
These standards were formally presented to TESDA by leading Chinese institutions, with the China-Philippines Silk Road Institute Foundation and Botok Tech Co., Ltd. serving as witnesses.
TESDA also witnessed the signing of 23 Memoranda of Understanding between the China-Philippines Silk Road Institute Foundation and Chinese partner institutions, reinforcing long-term collaboration in standards development and skills training.
The visit, likewise, marked the launch of the Philippines Vocational Education Diploma Curriculum Development Project, which aims to develop industry-responsive diploma programs aligned with the Philippine National Qualifications Framework. The initiative is designed to create clearer education and career pathways by integrating skills training with formal qualifications.
As part of the official program, the TESDA delegation visited Shenzhen Polytechnic University to study best practices in advanced technical education and industry-linked training.
At the Huawei ICT Academy, the TESDA delegation observed training programs focused on developing future ICT professionals in high-demand fields such as artificial intelligence, 5G, cloud computing, and big data. The academy offers industry-recognized certifications, ensuring that graduates are highly employable in the fast-growing digital economy.
The delegation also toured the BYD Institute of Applied Technology, which offers programs related to new energy vehicles, automotive electronics, intelligent systems, and autonomous driving. Instruction at the institute uses simulation-based and hybrid learning modalities, providing students with hands-on, industry-relevant experience.
At the university’s School of Artificial Intelligence, TESDA officials were briefed on programs covering Virtual Reality Application Technology, Cloud Computing Technology Application, Software Technology, Computer Application Technology, Big Data Technology, Artificial Intelligence Technology Application, and Blockchain Technology Application—highlighting the school’s strong focus on emerging and future technologies.
Meanwhile, together with the Secretary were Deputy Director General Rosanna Urdaneta, Qualification and Standards Office El Cid Castillo, and other TESDA officials.
The China visit marks a deeper, broader, and more impactful phase of Philippines–China cooperation, reinforcing TESDA’s commitment to equipping Filipino workers with globally competitive skills and expanding access to quality employment opportunities at home and abroad.
📷 by Rogelio Llovit, Jr.
TESDA
