Manila: The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has gained the highest approval rating among government agencies in the recent PAHAYAG survey by PUBLiCUS Asia. "That (highest rating among government agencies) is for the 14th consecutive quarter. This is a recognition of TESDA's performance," TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez touted in a press conference on Friday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the latest survey showed TESDA scored a 65 percent approval rating and a 45 percent trust rating. The agency said these scores reaffirm strong public confidence in TESDA's delivery of accessible and quality technical vocational education and training (TVET) programs.

Benitez stated that during the first quarter, TESDA has rolled out initiatives to strengthen its programs. These include the roll out of TESDA Skills Passport, a digital platform that allows individuals to document and showcase their competencies for easier employer verification.

TESDA also further strengthened its coordination with the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education to ensure better alignment between basic and higher education, as well as tech-voc training. Free competency assessments were also provided to Senior High School graduates.

He added TESDA and DepEd are eyeing to assess over 260,000 graduating Senior High School this year. "We are bridging the gap between education and employment," Benitez said, as he reaffirmed TESDA's commitment to quality TVET programs and to strengthen partnership with industry and government partners.