March 11, 2026
Filipino workers stand to gain more job opportunities and globally competitive skills as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) partners with one of the world's largest shipbuilding companies to strengthen training for the Philippine’s growing shipbuilding sector.
This development follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez and South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries during the recently concluded Philippine–Korea Business Forum. The agreement aims to advance technologies and strengthen skills development in the shipbuilding industry.
During the forum, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. underscored the importance of skills training in sustaining the growth of the shipbuilding sector and maximizing opportunities from international partnerships.
“All of these will ripple into significant partnerships that will generate projects, investments, and of course, livelihood,” the President said.
The agreement establishes a cooperative framework between TESDA and HD Hyundai to strengthen technical training and skills development for the shipbuilding sector. It aims to promote the exchange of knowledge and expertise, enhance the quality of technical training programs, and support the development of a highly skilled workforce to boost innovation and long-term competitiveness in the global shipbuilding industry.
“The partnership with HD Hyundai highlights the importance of aligning skills training with the needs of industry. By bringing training closer to the workplace and aligning programs with industry demand, we are helping ensure that our graduates’ transition seamlessly into quality jobs,” Sec. Kiko said.
Under the MOU, TESDA and HD Hyundai may collaborate on the development, review, and enhancement of technical training curricula relevant to shipbuilding and related technologies. TESDA will facilitate training programs aligned with its mandate, while HD Hyundai may explore opportunities to support industry-related initiatives, including employment pathways for trainees who complete the programs.
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