Education groups endorse Negrense lawmaker for Tesda director general

Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez. | PHOTO: Official website of Cong. Kiko Benitez / kikobenitez.com

BACOLOD CITY — At least two education groups have endorsed a lawmaker from Negros Occidental to be the next director general of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda).

The Philippines Business for Education (Pbed) and the Coordinating Council of Private Education Associations (Cocopea) have sent letters to President Marcos Jr. endorsing Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez.

Sought for comment on Sunday, July 28, Benitez of Negros Occidental’s third district, said he was “honored by the endorsement and thank them for their trust and support.”

“(However), I prefer not to speculate on the President’s decision. I trust his judgment and will support whoever he appoints as the next Tesda director general,” Benitez told the Inquirer.

Pbed, in a letter to the president dated July 24, endorsed Benitez to replace Director General Suharto Mangudadatu who resigned effective July 31.

“With decades of experience as a legislator, educator, and university president, we are confident in his (Benitez) ability to fulfill Tesda’s mandate of providing quality and relevant skills training that will boost Filipinos’ employability,” Pbed said.

Benitez is also one of the first proponents of the Second Congressional Commission on Education, where he has shown an unwavering commitment to education reform.

Pbed said Benitez, as vice chairperson of the Special Committee on Creative Industries, could provide insights into improving the competencies of technical vocational learners through active industry collaboration.

Cocopea, which is made up of five national educational associations has also endorsed Benitez and Fr. Onofre Inocencio Jr., Don Bosco Technical College Mandaluyong president, for the position of Tesda director general.

“With extensive experience in educational management and a strong academic track record, Benitez is well-suited to lead the Tesda,” said Cocopea in its letter to the president.

Benitez, who education groups had also earlier nominated for education secretary, has authored significant educational and child protection laws.
“His professional background includes serving as president of Philippine Women’s University (2010-2019), Assistant Professor at the University of Washington-Seattle (2006-2013), and lecturing at several prestigious institutions. His extensive experience as a school administrator and teacher demonstrates his commitment to education,” Cocopea said.