Manila: Agusan del Norte’s lone House representative has filed a bill to transform the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) into a full department to centralize the country’s technical-vocational education system. In an interview on Tuesday, Rep. Dale Corvera shared insights into House Bill No. 6071, which seeks to establish the Department of Technical Education, Training and Certification (DTET), a measure he filed on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Rep. Corvera emphasized that the current setup hinders the development of a skilled workforce capable of competing in global markets. The proposed department aims to unify technical education governance, streamline decision-making, and improve coordination among agencies, schools, and industries, thereby addressing existing challenges in the sector.

The new department would also focus on aligning curricula with emerging sectors such as digital technology, renewable energy, and healthcare. These areas are pivotal for the future workforce and national development. Corvera stated, “The creation of DTET is a vital step toward building a robust technical education system that supports both individual and national development.”

The proposal is seen as a strategic move to enhance the country’s competitiveness by developing a workforce equipped with the necessary skills for modern industries. By transforming TESDA into a full-fledged department, the bill seeks to ensure that technical-vocational education in the Philippines is responsive to both local and international demands.