Press Release - "All hands on deck": EDCOM 2 Commissioner Benitez takes charge of TESDA, eyes major reforms in tech-voc education

EDCOM 2 Commissioner Representative Jose Francisco "Kiko" Benitez of Negros Occidental has officially been sworn in as the new Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Benitez, who served as a Commissioner of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), and Co-Chaired the Standing Committee on Early Childhood Care and Development, brings with him his extensive experience in education, development, and public service.

In a congratulatory dinner, EDCOM 2 Commissioners, Standing Committee and Advisory Council Members, Speaker Martin Romualdez, and partners from the academe and education sector warmly welcomed the new TESDA chief.

"Our President obviously chooses the best and the brightest for our education sector. We saw that with Secretary Sonny Angara, and now DG Kiko. I am very very sure and confident that the President picked the right man to continue the legacy of excellence in TESDA. You, working with Secretary Sonny, will produce better outputs for the youth and the future of our country. Our youth deserve nothing but the best", said Speaker Romualdez.

Benitez described his new role as a "full circle moment" as he reflected on his family's legacy in the field of education, noting that his grand aunt, former Senator Helena Benitez, authored Republic Act 5462, which established the National Manpower and Youth Council, one of TESDA's mother agencies.

"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." Malacanang said in a statement on August 16, 2024.

2015 TESDA Director General Irene Isaac expressed her optimism about Benitez' appointment, "We look forward with great optimism to the Makabagong TVET under TESDA Director General Kiko Benitez. Makabago in terms of relevance to economic needs, in terms of adaptation to fast-changing technologies, in terms of innovative and client-centered learning methods, and greater access of the marginalized sector to