Manila: Technical-vocational education and training (TVET) must keep pace with artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies to ensure Filipino workers remain competitive in a rapidly changing labor market, Senator Joel Villanueva said Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Villanueva emphasized the importance of evolving skills development in alignment with industry needs during his message marking National Tech-Voc Day and the 32nd anniversary of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). He highlighted several legislative measures aimed at enhancing skills training to address the demands of modern technologies, particularly AI.
Villanueva mentioned the Tulong-Trabaho Act, Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act, and the Lifelong Learning Development Framework (LLDF) Act as key laws designed to equip workers with skills necessary for current and future industry requirements. Republic Act (RA) 11230, or the Tulong-Trabaho Act, provides qualified Filipinos with free access to selected TVET programs through a labor force competency competitiveness program.
Additionally, RA 12063, the EBET Framework Act, establishes an industry-driven training system to address jobs-skills mismatch and assist workers in adapting to evolving technologies and labor-market demands. The LLDF Act, signed into law as RA 12313 in October 2025, promotes continuous learning beyond formal education.
Villanueva, a former TESDA director general, also reflected on his role in initiating the legislation that established National Tech-Voc Day. The date, August 25, coincides with TESDA's founding anniversary, highlighting its significance in the promotion of tech-voc education. RA 10970 designates TESDA and the Department of Education as lead agencies in organizing activities and advocacy campaigns for the annual observance.
'Patuloy po nating iaangat ang antas ng kasanayan ng manggagawang Pilipino at lilikha pa ng mas maraming oportunidad para sa bawat isa (We will continue to raise the skill level of Filipino workers and create more opportunities for everyone),' Villanueva stated, underscoring his commitment to enhancing Filipino workforce skills and opportunities.
