PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte, through Executive Order 83, has approved the National Technical Education and Skills Development Plan (NTESDP) 2018-2022, the national blueprint for the technical-vocational education and training (TVET) sector in the country.
EO 83, which Duterte signed on June 17, the NTESDP 2018-2022 to "mobilize, galvanize and strengthen the TVET sector, in order to attain global competitiveness and workforce readiness, as well as social equity for workforce inclusion and poverty reduction."
"The NTESDP 2018-2022 shall serve as a blueprint of the TVET sector in coming up with responsive policies and implementing programs in support of the broader goals and objectives of the national government," the order reads.
Republic Act 7796 or the Technical Education and Skills Development Act of 1994 mandates he Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) to formulate a comprehensive development plan for middle-level manpower, based on a "national employment plan or policy for the optimum allocation, development and utilization of skilled workers for employment entrepreneurship, and technology development for economic and social growth."
Under EO 83, all local government units and the private sector are directed to adopt, disseminate and support the implementation of the NTESDP 2018-2022.
The Tesda, meantime, is ordered to ensure that all skills development programs and scheme conform with the quantitative objectives of the NTESDP 2018-2022 and all skills trainings and development are aligned with the Philippine Qualifications Framework and all instituted national standards.
EO 83 likewise tasks the Tesda to monitor the implementation of the development plan and conduct periodic assessment to evaluate the efficiency and effectivity of the national blueprint for TVET sector.
The Tesda is also mandated to submit, through the Department of Trade and Industry, a "semi-annual reports" to the Office of the President on the implementation of the development plan.
The NTESDP envisions a "Vibrant Quality TVET for Decent Work and Sustainable Inclusive Growth."
The necessary funding for the implementation of the development plan will be sourced form the appropriations allocated for the skills development and training programs of Tesda and the concerned budget of national governement agencies, according to the EO.
EO 83, a copy of which was released by Malacañang on Thursday, June 20, takes effect " immediately." (SunStar Philippines)