TESDA holds green TVET forum

October 31, 2023

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) conducted the Forum on Greening the Philippine Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) System to highlight the importance of tech-voc training in pursuing a “green” economy.

Held last October 17-18 with the theme “Green Initiatives for Greening the Economy,” the forum brought together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors, environmental organizations, and international bodies to discuss various issues, insights, and initiatives related to sustainable development.

TESDA Secretary Suharto Mangudadatu emphasized that industries play a vital role in shaping the country’s economic landscape, as their expertise and experiences will provide valuable insights into successfully integrating green practices and creating green jobs within their respective sectors.

“Together, we can shape a TVET system that nurtures a green economy, one that not only safeguards our environment but also provides sustainable livelihoods for generations to come,” the Secretary said.

Likewise, the forum stressed how a sustainable economy is vital for achieving a harmonious balance between economic growth, social well-being, and ecological preservation.

Among the topics discussed in the forum were National Green Jobs Human Resources Development Plan (NGJHRDP), Database of Green Jobs in the Philippines, Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003), and Solid Waste Management and Green Practices.

Also discussed were Public Transport Modernization & Active Transport Promotion, Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Technologies for Sustainable Transport, Nuclear Energy, and Waste-to-Energy Technology.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme, a green economy is “one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities”.

It may be noted that in response to the growing need for “green jobs” that contribute to preserving or restoring the quality of the environment, Republic Act No. 10771, or The Philippine Green Jobs Act of 2016 was enacted by the Philippine legislature and took effect on May 18, 2016.

TESDA has initiated programs that promote environmental protection, sustain biodiversity, and minimize, if not prevent, environmental degradation.

In August 2018, TESDA issued Circular No. 58 defining guidelines for Greening the TVET system in the country, resulting in the formulation and implementation of TESDA’s training regulations aimed to promote green technology.

Among these training regulations are pest management, photovoltaic systems, hydroponics, vertical gardening, carbon emissions, and seaweed farming. TESDA, through its Green Technology Center, has been very active in this undertaking.