Taguig city: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited the training facilities inside the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) compound in Taguig City on Friday. He inspected workshops and equipment used for various technical skills, including welding, mechatronics, and visual graphics, and observed TESDA's integration of hands-on learning with industry collaboration.

According to Philippines News Agency, the President visited several specialized facilities, including the TESDA-Petron Car Care Center, the TESDA-Honda Training Room, and the TESDA-Daikin Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Training Center. TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez personally welcomed President Marcos during his visit.

Benitez emphasized TESDA's broader mission of transforming lives and preparing Filipinos for a rapidly evolving job market. "With the President's guidance, we will continue to strengthen partnerships with industry and integrate technology-driven and gender-responsive programs across all training centers," Benitez stated.

In his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July, President Marcos highlighted the importance of technical vocational education and training (TVET) in enhancing employment opportunities and furthering education. He noted that technical and vocational education has proven effective, prompting its gradual inclusion in the Senior High School curriculum.

President Marcos urged parents to take advantage of these educational opportunities, expressing the goal of ensuring that every Filipino family has a member who graduates from either college or TESDA. He also announced the allocation of nearly PHP60 billion for free education in public colleges and technical-vocational training programs.