THE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) in Negros Occidental is stepping up efforts on strengthening its partnership with various industries in the province.

Part of the measure was the conduct of the industry forum on the "Establishment of Institutional Arrangements with Industry Boards or Industry Associations" with the industry-partners from different sectors at the Nature's Village Resort in Talisay City recently.

The forum is in line with the implementing guidelines on the establishment of institutional arrangements with industry boards or associations signed by Tesda Secretary Isidro Lapeña.

Tesda - Western Visayas Regional Director Gaspar Gayona said the guidelines aim to recognize Industry Boards (IBs) or Industry Associations (IAs) as partners in the delivery of Technical and Vocational Education and Trainings (TVET) programs or services.

Gaspar said these guidelines are also geared towards engaging a direct participation of employers and workers in the design and implementation of work-related to technical education and skills development.

He then urged industry Boards to sit down as members of the Provincial Technical Education and Skills Development Committee, the local policy making body of Tesda chaired by the governor.

Provincial Director Rolando Juanillo, in his message, lauded the industry-partners for their active participation and continuous support in the implementation of relevant and accessible TVET in the province.

"I hope that this gathering will provide impetus in our earnest desire to bring to the fullest your active participation in providing relevant technical education and skills development opportunities that would hopefully result in producing 21th century skilled workforce," he added.

For his part, Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) Chief Executive Officer Frank Carbon thanked the agency for reaching out to the different industry sectors.

"We have to move towards 21st knowledge and skills. Future skills and knowledge for future jobs," Carbon said, adding that "I hope this will be the beginning of a very good relationship with Tesda."

Participating industries included those in agriculture, construction, tourism, automotive and land transportation, metals and engineering, health and social, and information technology - business process management (IT-BPM).

The forum was also highlighted by the selection of interim president for each sector.

They will act as members of the Association of Tesda Industry Partners of Negros Occidental.

Meanwhile, also present during the forum were representatives of the Department of Trade and Industry and Philippine Information Agency. (EPN)

Contributed Photo: Tesda-Negros Occidental Provincial Director Rolando Juanillo (seated, center) and MBCCI Chief Executive Officer Frank Carbon (seated, right) with representatives of participating industries during the industry forum held at the Nature's Village Resort in Talisay City recently.