The potential of fully devolving community-based technical-vocational programs to local government units (LGUs) would improve skills development programs in the grassroots, the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) said Friday.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who co-chaired the hearing to review mandates of key education agencies, with Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo, expressed support for empowering LGUs ready to implement Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) programs.

He noted that this could lead to more targeted resource allocation and responsive training delivery.

The potential of fully devolving community-based tech-voc programs is envisioned under Section 29 of Republic Act 7796 or the TESDA Act of 1994.

EDCOM II initiated discussions on updating the TESDA Act, emphasizing the importance of enhancing its capacity in areas such as industry collaboration, lifelong learning, and international competitiveness.

“The TESDA charter must evolve with the times to fully support the upskilling of our workforce. Updating the 1994 charter is a step towards empowering Filipino learners in a dynamic global economy,” EDCOM II Executive Director Dr. Karol Mark Yee said in a news release.

Created to consolidate various technical-vocational initiatives under one umbrella, TESDA has expanded its reach over the years to include operating training institutions and offering scholarship programs.

EDCOM II said this evolution reflects the agency’s commitment to accessibility, but also presents an opportunity to clearly define roles between regulation and implementation to optimize its impact.

The Commission also highlighted the importance of aligning TESDA’s training programs with industry needs.

With 93 percent of TESDA graduates completing NC I–II programs—many already offered in Senior High School—EDCOM II underscored the need to update training regulations and expand industry involvement in curriculum design and innovation.

TESDA PHOTO