Manila: The University of the Philippines Manila (UP Manila) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) launched new competency standards aimed at strengthening the country's medical education system. The initiative, introduced on Monday, presents two new qualifications: Cadaver Preservation Services Level III and Academic Simulation Services Level III, designed to professionalize the technical staff who assist future healthcare workers in anatomy laboratories.
According to Philippines News Agency, TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez emphasized the critical role of anatomy and simulation laboratory technicians in shaping medical education. During the launch event held at UP Manila's Sports and Wellness Center, Benitez stated, "Before there's a doctor in the operating room, there's a technician in the anatomy lab. During every simulation, there's someone setting up the tools, fixing the systems and keeping things running when no one's watching." He acknowledged that the collaboration between TESDA and UP Manila highlights the importance and recognition of the skills and services provided by these technicians.
This initiative marks the first instance where the government has developed official competency standards for Anatomy Laboratory and General Laboratory Technician education. This move facilitates standardized training and qualifications, thereby supporting medical and health sciences programs. The Cadaver Preservation Services Level III program will train individuals in ethical handling, preservation, and management of cadavers for academic and research purposes. Graduates may pursue careers as cadaver care technicians, anatomy laboratory technicians, or anatomic embalmers. Meanwhile, the Academic Simulation Services Level III program is focused on the management of simulation-based learning facilities used in health sciences education, preparing trainees for roles as simulation technicians or simulation operations specialists.
Benitez also noted the growing number of medical schools under the Doctor Para sa Bayan Act, which necessitates the availability of qualified laboratory and simulation staff for quality education delivery. Republic Act 11509, also known as the Doctor Para sa Bayan Act, establishes a medical scholarship and return service program to support deserving medical students who will later serve in government public health offices or hospitals.
TESDA's 2025 TVET Skills Insights Report, titled "Behind the Scenes of Care: Labor Insights into the Auxiliary Health Workforce," highlighted the need for three to four laboratory technicians per new medical school. To address this demand, TESDA and UP Manila have identified six priority areas for TVET development, including Anatomy Laboratory Technician, General Laboratory Technician, Cadaver Preservation, Cadaver Soft Embalming, Academic Simulation Assistant, and Simulation Technician.
This initiative follows an MOU signed by TESDA and UP Manila in September 2024, which outlined collaboration on standards development, skills training, and enterprise-based learning. Subsequent consultations with UP Manila and the Philippine General Hospital identified issues such as a shortage of plantilla positions, low pay, and the lack of standardized qualifications for laboratory and simulation personnel.
UP Manila Chancellor Michael Tee expressed support for the launch, emphasizing its alignment with the university's goal to professionalize support personnel in health sciences education. UP Manila faculty members Dr. Rafael Bundoc and Dr. Maria Julieta Germar led the development of the training modules for the new programs.
TESDA stated that the development of competency standards is anticipated to strengthen the foundation of medical education by aligning technical training with higher learning, ensuring that the health workforce is properly equipped and recognized.
