Press Release - EDCOM 2 bats for improved TESDA scholar completion rates, higher-quality programs

EDCOM 2 Co-Chairperson Senator Sherwin Gatchalian revealed that, of 2,000 scholarship slots offered for TVET diploma programs in the National Capital Region, only 20 students completed the course, citing a report from the Commission on Audit.

"Sayang naman, kasi we gave them the scholarship, we spent a lot of time teaching them, but they did not finish the course," he said, during the Senate hearing of the budget of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on September 18, 2024.

TESDA's budget is pegged at 18.7 billion, with a substantial P10.6 billion allocated for scholarship programs.

TESDA Deputy Director General Rosanna Urdaneta attributed the high attrition rate to the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that many students lost interest in finishing their courses during the period of disruption. However, TESDA Director General Kiko Benitez emphasized the need to go beyond pandemic-related issues.

"We need to understand the full picture. It's possible that students enter the program with the full intention to finish, but after the first year, if they receive a certain certification, they may choose to go straight to employment," Benitez explained.

In response to these challenges, Benitez noted that TESDA will be shifting its focus to assuring that tech-voc institutions offer high-quality and targeted offerings. Benitez noted that part of this approach involves ensuring that training programs are demand-driven and aligned with the needs of local industries.

"We are requiring all registered TVIs to re-register their programs every 5 years. In 2022, a lot of providers failed to do this because of a component - the integration of 21st century skills in their curriculum." said Deputy Director General Rosanna Urdaneta.

"Although there is a shrink in the number of TVET providers, TESDA is still trying to encourage schools to offer higher level qualifications. Area-based, demand-driven qualifications. Kung ano ang requirement ng local industry and market, we are making sure the courses offered are of higher quality and are relevant to the area," echoed Director General Benitez.

This strategy aligns with the recommendations of the Second Congressional