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BACOLOD CITY – A lawmaker appointed as the director general of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) on Friday, August 16, vowed to use innovation to upskill young people and the workforce, thereby enhancing their competitiveness.
Negros Occidental Rep. Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez said the country is faced with many challenges in catching up with digital transformation and adapting the workforce to the digital economy.
“The job market and our skills needs have immensely evolved since 1969. But if industry, government, academia and tech-voc institutions work together, we will succeed,” he said in an interview.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Benitez as the new director general of the Tesda following the resignation of Suharto Mangudadatu.
READ: Negros Occidental Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez is new Tesda chief
Benitez is expected to assume his new role immediately and will outline his strategic priorities for TESDA in the coming weeks, a statement from Malacañang read.
Benitez thanked the president for “entrusting me with this important portfolio.”
“It is my honor to serve the country as Tesda director general,” said Benitez who represents Negros Occidental’s third district.
“This new role is a full circle moment for me. It was my grand-aunt, Senator Helena Z. Benitez, who authored Republic Act No. 5462 which established the National Manpower and Youth Council, the progenitor of TESDA,” he added.
Benitez, chairperson of the Committee on Housing and Urban Development in the House of Representatives, brings with him a wealth of experience in education, development, and public service, said Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil in a statement.
Garafil said Benitez’s extensive academic background and commitment to sustainable development make him a well-suited head for Tesda.
“The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is confident in Benitez’s ability to lead Tesda toward achieving its goals of enhancing the technical skills of the Filipino workforce, promoting lifelong learning opportunities, and driving economic growth through education and skills development,” he said.
Benitez, who has a doctorate in Philosophy, is known for championing legislation that promotes new development paradigms.
“His advocacy for digital transformation, education reform, and technological innovation will be crucial in steering Tesda’s programs to meet the demands of the evolving job market and the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” Malacañang said.
The Office of the President extends its gratitude to outgoing Mangudadatu for his dedicated service and contributions to Tesda during his tenure.
Benitez said he would build on the accomplishments of Mangudadatu.
Benitez also thanked the different education organizations and his colleagues in the Education Commission 2 who nominated him, and his colleagues in the House, especially to Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, for their support.
He also thanked the people of Negros Occidental, especially the local officials and civic groups in the third district of the province.
He assured the people of the district that he may be moving to another role but he will not abandon them.
“I will remain always to be at your service,” Benitez said.