Manila: The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) announced on Friday that more digital courses are now available through its partnership with UNESCO-UNEVOC and HP Foundation. The collaboration aims to enhance digital skills and employability through the integration of selected courses into the TESDA Online Program.

According to Philippines News Agency, the collaboration is facilitated through UNESCO's Global Skills Academy, a global initiative that seeks to address labor skills and support 10 million youth and adults globally in building employability skills by 2029. This initiative allows selected courses from HP Foundation's free business and digital skills training program, HP LIFE, to be accessed via the TESDA Online Program at e-tesda.gov.ph.

"As industries continue to transform through technology and innovation, it is important that Filipinos are equipped with the skills needed to remain competitive and adaptable in the future of work," TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez was quoted as saying. The courses include an introduction to artificial intelligence (AI) concepts, responsible AI use, and practical applications of AI in business and everyday work settings.

TESDA stated that the HP LIFE courses are expected to further enrich TESDA's online learning ecosystem by expanding access to in-demand digital competencies. The initiative brings together the government, international organizations, and industry partners to support lifelong learning. UNESCO-UNEVOC, UNESCO's specialized agency for advancing technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and skills development worldwide, plays a crucial role in this collaboration.