From the cash-based equivalent budget of PhP7.6 billion in 2018, the proposed budget of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for 2019 grew by 94.7 percent to PhP14.8 billion. The growth is consistent with the sustained investment of the Administration in social services.

According to DBM Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno, the TESDA budget is reflective of the government’s effort to equip the country’s biggest asset—its people—with skills level for specialized labor markets and emerging industries.

Around PhP2.3 billion of said budget will fund the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP). Said Program, with 163,672 target enrollees, aims offer courses required by priority industries and key employment generators such as agri-business and tourism.

Another PhP7.0 billion, lodged under the PhP51-billion budget of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education, is earmarked to cover the cost of tertiary education for students enrolled in Technical-Vocational Institutions registered under the TESDA. Some 203,185 students are projected to benefit from the Program.

Meanwhile, more than PhP1.7 billion is provided for the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP), a community-based specialty training program tailored to address specific needs of communities and promote employment. Under STEP, about 121,396 scholars will receive training allowance and starting tool kits to kick-start their entrepreneurial ventures after completing the Program.

“With the strong demand for blue-collared jobs in the market, we are hoping these programs and services will be more accessible and appealing to our people, particularly the unemployed and out-of-school-youths,” Sec. Diokno said.(BITS)

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