Iloilo: An upgraded PHP144.28 million regional technical and vocational education and training innovation center (RTIC) will soon rise at the regional office of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) here, following its groundbreaking on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the project serves as the core feature of the SIPTVET (Supporting Innovation in Philippine Technical and Vocational Education and Training) project, which is being implemented nationwide by TESDA with funding support from the Asian Development Bank. TESDA Director-General, Secretary Jose Francisco 'Kiko' Benitez, who led the ceremony, said the three-floor building will be the center of TVET innovation in Panay.

Once finished, it will have a smart factory, multi-disciplinary workshops, co-working spaces, and business incubation rooms, among others. 'The RTIC aims to make TVET training more demand-driven, industry-led and future-proof as a way to respond to the contemporary industrial revolution and technological transformation,' he said.

The center in Western Visayas will have metals and engineering as its focus, particularly on precision engineering with welding technology in support of the farm mechanization and construction sector. Benitez also witnessed the signing of a partnership agreement with the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center/Aquaculture Department for the strengthening of the blue economy, and a memorandum of understanding with Meralco Power for government-industry collaboration to develop a workforce for the energy sector.

He also signed the deed of usufruct with the local government of Sibunag for the establishment of the Guimaras provincial training center in the municipality. A certificate of TVET Program Registration was also presented to the Guimaras Skills Academy Corp. to offer a program in E-Commerce Operations Level III, the first e-commerce program registration in the country.