Lawmaker gets top Tesda post

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

President Marcos has named Negros Oriental Rep. Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez as the new director general of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), noting his advocacy for digital transformation, education reform and technological innovation.

The 55-year-old Benitez will replace Suharto Mangudadatu, who resigned last July to run in the first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao parliamentary elections in May 2025.

Malacañang announced Benitez’ appointment on Friday, with the lawmaker expected to assume his new role as Tesda secretary immediately to “outline his strategic priorities for Tesda.”

The Palace, in a statement, said the President is “confident in Benitez’s ability to lead the Tesda” and enhance the Filipino workforce’s technical skills, promote lifelong learning opportunities and drive economic growth “through education and skills development.”

Benitez has served as congressman of Negros Occidental’s third legislative district since 2019. He currently chairs the House committee on housing and urban development and as vice chair of the House panel on creative industry and performing arts.