Marcos Unveils Historic ₱19-B TESDA Funding at Ilocos Norte Mass Graduation

Courtesy: PCO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced a historic ₱19-billion budget allocation for the country's technical education and skills training programs during the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) mass graduation at the Ilocos Norte National High School Gymnasium on Friday, August 7, 2026.

The ceremony honored 1,150 technical-vocational scholars from 23 TESDA-accredited institutions under the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) and the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP).

Direct Speech & Skills Development

During his keynote address, President Marcos stressed the urgent necessity of regular tech-voc updates to keep up with globalization. He emphasized the importance of continuous training to adapt to new technologies and global supply chains, urging graduates to use their skills to improve their lives and those of their fellow citizens.

Historical Funding & Program Expansion

The ₱19-billion funding injection is the largest in the agency's history. President Marcos detailed how this expands livelihood pathways, specifically:

• Enterprise-Based Training: Broadening the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) program to match curriculum with employer demands.
• Alternative Programs: Enhanced funding for the Tulong Trabaho Scholarship Program, TESDA Online Program, and TVET for Social Equity Program.
• Educational Reforms: Under TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez, integrating technical-vocational tracks with DepEd and CHED to allow National Certificate (NC) holders to credit skills toward college degrees.