Graduate-beneficiaries of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) expressed their deep appreciation to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for expanding access to technical, vocational, and language training across the country. The program has provided citizens of varying ages and backgrounds with valuable new skills, driving fresh hope for employment opportunities both locally and internationally.
President Marcos personally attended the TESDA Ilocos Norte National Certification Level II (NC II) mass graduation ceremony held at the Ilocos Norte National High School Gymnasium in Laoag City to celebrate the milestone alongside hundreds of graduates.
The training initiatives have served as a crucial catalyst for career growth across diverse demographics:
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Paving Pathways for Youth and Global Careers: Marie Viorge, 24, a recent Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering graduate, completed the TESDA Japanese Language and Culture course. Armed with an engineering degree, prior training in Chinese, and newly acquired Japanese language skills, Viorge plans to leverage her multidisciplinary qualifications to secure employment in Japan and support her family. “I would like to thank President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the TESDA program for providing me the opportunity to study Japanese, as well as for the allowance provided,” Viorge shared. “It gives me another strong credential on my resume and opens up new career paths overseas.”
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Lifelong Learning After Retirement: Demonstrating that skill development has no age limit, 62-year-old Edna Myrna Don completed language training following a 20-year career abroad in Yemen with her husband. Returning to the Philippines, Don plans to explore teaching opportunities at a language school in Ilocos.
“Mr. President, I am really grateful… My husband and I really love and support your programs,” said Don, praising the administration’s accessible adult education initiatives.
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Empowering Career Transitions and Future Educators: Precious Pearl Roraldo, 49, a former Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Dubai and former full-time housewife, pursued multiple TESDA certifications, including caregiving, housekeeping, and trainer modules. Now employed at Far East Computer Technology, she aims to become an official TESDA trainer to help others gain technical qualifications.
“I thought I would no longer have career opportunities because of my age,” Roraldo remarked. “At 49, I am grateful to President Marcos and TESDA for showing that I can still teach, build a career, and contribute to my community.”
TESDA’s expanded programs continue to align with the national government’s commitment to upskilling the Filipino workforce, reducing unemployment, and promoting lifelong learning for all citizens regardless of age or background.
For more information regarding available technical-vocational courses and certification programs, please visit the official TESDA website or contact your local TESDA regional office.
