Manila: The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on Thursday pledged to utilize its 2026 budget to create more employment opportunities. "This year, we are fortunate to have the biggest budget in TESDA's history, pero hindi lang ito tungkol sa mas malaking pondo (but this isn't about the huge funding). This means more training, more programs, and more jobs for Filipinos," TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez stated.

According to Philippines News Agency, TESDA has secured a PHP26-billion budget for 2026. A significant portion of this budget, PHP19 billion, will be allocated to providing scholarships for over 600,000 individuals. This initiative aligns with TESDA's commitment to enhancing skills development and employment opportunities.

Among TESDA's priorities for the year are the Digital Skills Passport, a platform designed to document learner competencies, support personalized learning pathways, and link skills to training and employment opportunities. This platform will enable employers to verify workers' credentials more efficiently and reduce hiring timelines, thereby streamlining the employment process.

TESDA also aims to enhance digital upskilling programs, strengthen partnerships with local government units to deliver training at the community level, and expand programs for high-demand industries such as semiconductors, renewable energy, and electric vehicles. "This year, we have even greater opportunities to make an impact on the lives of Filipinos nationwide," Benitez added.