A dialogue and press conference with Secretary Guiling A. Mamondiong highlighted the Regional Consultation on TVET Reform and Development Agenda in Region IX which was conducted in Zamboanga City on October 18, 2016.

Aligning with the President’s campaign for a drug-free and corruption-free country, the Secretary stressed that his intension is to make TESDA a corruption-free and drug-free government agency. To realize this, he informed the various TVET stakeholders attending the consultation that he issued an order for all TESDA personnel to submit themselves to a voluntary drug test. With regards to eradicating corruption, Secretary Mamondiong announced that TESDA will be implementing an online application for training and scholarships as well as assessment and certification. He enjoins everyone to bring to the knowledge of the Director General any TESDA personnel whom they know is corrupt. TESDA also conducted a nationwide technical audit to all registered programs as one of the reforms of the agency to ensure delivery of quality TESD services. These undertakings are among the 17-point TESDA Reform and Development Agenda.

    Secretary Mamondiong likewise announced at the plenary that TESDA will provide 500 scholarship slots for the ICT sector in the Region IX.

The event was attended by 321 persons from the TVIs, industry partners, LGUs, NGOs, RLAs, TVET organizations, TVET policy makers, TESDA officials and personnel and media personalities and other stakeholders.