DOLE, TESDA, and ILO Boost Partnership for Skills Development

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the International Labour Organization (ILO) met on April 2 in Manila to strengthen their work together in improving skills training and job readiness in the country.

DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma and ILO Skills and Employability Branch Chief Srinivas B. Reddy led the meeting. They discussed key programs like the UN Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection, the Social Justice Digital Skills Coalition, and the country’s part in the ASEAN Year of Skills 2025 in Malaysia.

Secretary Laguesma highlighted the 75-year partnership between DOLE and ILO in promoting decent jobs, labor rights, and inclusive growth. ILO Chief Reddy praised the Philippines for supporting key ILO conventions and its active role in global labor work.
DOLE Undersecretary Carmela I. Torres said the construction and transportation sectors will benefit from the Global Accelerator. She also shared updates on DOLE’s youth employment programs and the ongoing work on a paper about AI and workforce ethics.

TESDA Director General Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez thanked ILO for its support in TESDA’s digital upgrades and skills planning. He also confirmed that the country will host the 14th WorldSkills ASEAN Competition in 2025.

Other topics discussed included the National Green Jobs Human Resource Development Plan, the Philippine Skills Framework, skill recognition across ASEAN, and support for growing economies.

The meeting was also attended by key officials from DOLE, TESDA, and the ILO, showing their shared commitment to improving the skills and job opportunities for Filipino workers. (ASC)