Manila: Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez on Monday expressed gratitude towards the Marcos administration for implementing reforms in the education sector that aim to secure employment opportunities for graduates.

According to Philippines News Agency, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. highlighted during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) that graduates of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programs can now leverage their National Certificates (NCs) to pursue further formal education and attain a college diploma. This initiative is designed to create seamless educational pathways and enhance career prospects for students.

In his address, President Marcos elaborated on how the senior high school's Electrical Installation and Maintenance course could be a stepping stone towards acquiring an Electrical Engineering degree. Similarly, training in Caregiving could pave the way for a degree in Nursing. Furthermore, the President mentioned that college graduates have the option to obtain NCs to explore different career paths or embark on entrepreneurial ventures.

Secretary Benitez praised the integration of TVET into the curricula of the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as a directive from the President. This integration is intended to facilitate a smooth transition from training to employment, addressing the skills gap in the workforce.

Benitez remarked, "Perhaps the Marcos administration will be remembered as the golden age of education and education reform," in his statement to the Philippine News Agency.

In his SONA, President Marcos also pointed out the benefits of the TESDA Skills Passport, which plays a significant role in the digitalization of TESDA's services. The Skills Passport streamlines learner registration and enhances identity verification by offering multiple secure options for users to confirm their identity. Additionally, the Passport is equipped with tools to assist with job matching, online learning, and scholarship applications, further supporting students in their educational and career endeavors.