March 19, 2026 – the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) convened a national meeting with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) titled “Briefing on TESDA Programs, Policies, and Directions for Private Schools.” The meeting gathered more than 200 technical education experts from Catholic schools nationwide to engage directly with Secretary Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez, who shared key developments in technical-vocational education and training (TVET).
CEAP Trustee-at-Large Sr. Elenita E. Soriano, DC, serving as Chairperson of the National Technical-Vocational Education Commission (CEAP-NTVEC), welcomed participants and emphasized the role of Catholic schools in aligning their programs with national priorities while remaining faithful to their mission. Meanwhile, Executive Director Narcy F. Ador Dionisio raised critical questions on public-private complementarity, equitable funding access, and responsiveness to emerging industry needs. These reflections set the tone for a meaningful national dialogue on how private institutions can become stronger partners in shaping the TVET ecosystem. The other Officers in the TESDA Certification Office and the Qualifications and Standards Office, namely, Mr. John Kelvin Briones, Ms. Janet Abasolo, and Mr. El Cid Castillo, provided additional insights on certification processes, standards development, and quality assurance mechanisms.
In his presentation, Secretary Benitez outlined TESDA’s ongoing reforms, including the expansion of the area-based, demand-driven framework, digital transformation initiatives, and the rollout of the TESDA Skills Passport. He discussed the alignment of senior high school programs with the Philippine Qualifications Framework, noting that many National Certificates (NCs) will be integrated into the secondary level to improve employability. He also highlighted priority sectors such as digital technology, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, finance, and tourism, encouraging schools to align their offerings accordingly. Additionally, TESDA’s support for teacher training, free student assessments, and micro-credentialing initiatives was emphasized as part of efforts to strengthen the quality and accessibility of TVET.
In the spirit of the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, CEAP calls on its member-schools to take concrete steps to align their technical-vocational programs with TESDA standards and emerging labor market demands. Schools are encouraged to actively engage with TESDA offices, explore opportunities for collaboration, and invest in faculty development to ensure program quality. More importantly, CEAP envisions private schools not merely as implementers but as co-creators in the evolving TVET landscape. Through these efforts, CEAP aims to empower learners with relevant skills while upholding the values of dignity of work, service, and nation-building.