Albay: The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), in collaboration with the Southern Luzon Technological College Foundation, Inc. (SLTCFI), has launched an initiative to offer specialized short courses aimed at enhancing skills for future employment. This initiative is supported by the PHP5-million Department of Trade and Industry-Smart Prototyping, Innovation, and Collaboration Yielding-Tech (DTI-SPICY) facility.
According to Philippines News Agency, TESDA Deputy Director General Galo Glino III visited the facility to promote the "training-to-work" program. This program consists of micro-credential courses, which are short and intensive offerings designed to upskill workers, youth, and students in response to rapidly evolving technology. Glino emphasized the importance of keeping pace with the frequent changes in artificial intelligence (AI) by promoting these courses.
The government, with support from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., has allocated PHP500 million for micro-credential courses to be distributed in 2026. These funds will be used for scholarships and training costs to support providers and institutions offering micro-credential courses. SLTCFI in Albay is one of the pioneering institutions providing courses on AI and digital technologies.
Glino stated that TESDA is actively working on marketing, promotion, and advocacy for AI skills, encouraging institutions to offer and register AI-related courses. The current absorptive capacity for AI skills training in the country is around 18,000 slots. TESDA is also collaborating with a nationwide network of academic institutions to offer AI skills training, and approximately 80 percent of TESDA graduates find employment.
Additionally, TESDA has signed an agreement with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to develop courses in semiconductors and electronics engineering that can lead to an engineering degree. Glino highlighted that TESDA is expanding beyond traditional trades to include training programs in advanced technologies.
SLTCFI offers a range of micro-credential courses, including AI applications, digital productivity tools, cyber hygiene, and disaster management technologies such as drone operation and piloting. Other courses cover assembly of solar nightlights, 3D printing, product photography, and robotics.
DTI-Bicol Region Director Dindo Nabol announced plans for a PHP5-million creatives hub in Camarines Sur and a PHP2-million facility in Masbate, designed to support digitalization skills training and creativity. A proposal has been submitted by various cooperators to DTI for funding, focusing on digital and creative skills development in these regions.
