TESDA to explore TVET partnerships with Sweden, Finland

February 28, 2024

Continuing its commitment to boost Philippine tech-voc training through international cooperation, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) eyes to tie up with the Swedish and Finnish governments.

Last February 16, TESDA Director General, Secretary Suharto Mangudadatu, met with Her Excellency Maria Lumen Isleta, Philippine Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Sweden with concurrent jurisdiction over the Republic of Finland at the TESDA Central Office in Taguig City.

During the meeting, the dignitaries discussed possible cooperation in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) between the Philippines and the Nordic countries of Finland and Sweden.

In a statement, Secretary Suharto Mangudadatu said that the Philippines has been seeking to bolster its workforce with high-quality skills aligned with the demands of the rapidly evolving global economy.

“I hope that our partnership will come to fruition. It underscores TESDA's commitment to fostering excellence and innovation in TVET, aligning with the Philippine government's broader agenda of human capital development and economic growth,” the TESDA chief emphasized.

Exploratory talks were held on various sectors such as health, particularly nursing aid, information technology (IT), electronics, and the development of Swedish and Finnish language training programs.

Further, TESDA expressed its intention to pursue the previously proposed bilateral agreement with Finland, as this would enhance the TVET and skills development system of both countries.

It can be recalled that there had been exploratory talks between the Philippines’ TESDA and the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Finland. A Memorandum of Understanding was drafted covering various areas of cooperation such as enhancement of on–the–job training and lifelong learning approach, and mutual recognition of skills and qualifications through recognition of assessment and certification systems, among others.

Secretary Mangudadatu also mentioned that TESDA has been closely coordinating with relevant government Philippine agencies such as the Department of Migrant Workers in upskilling, reskilling, and deployment of skilled workers in other countries.

Present during the meeting were Deputy Directors General Aniceto Bertiz III, Vidal Villanueva III, and other TESDA officials.