By Matthew Agda
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority in Caraga (TESDA-13) reported that 10,319 scholars successfully completed their Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs in 2024, with 55.4% of graduates securing employment.
TESDA-13 Director Florencio Sunico Jr., speaking at the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum on Tuesday, noted that 2,892 of the graduates have undergone assessment, and 2,723 have received certificates of completion. The employment rate was determined through TESDA’s newly introduced tracking system, which monitors scholars six months after completing their training.
Surigao del Sur produced the highest number of graduates, with 2,866, followed by Agusan del Sur with 2,456, Agusan del Norte with 2,085, Surigao del Norte with 1,974, and Dinagat Islands with 938. Scholars completed a range of programs, including the Training for Work Scholarship, Private Education Student Financial Assistance, Special Training for Employment, Rice Extension Services, Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, Coconut Farmers Scholarship, and Tulong Trabaho Scholarship.
In addition to the scholars, TESDA-13 reported that 38,203 individuals across the region completed various training programs this year. Surigao del Norte led with 10,357 completers, followed by Surigao del Sur with 8,566, Agusan del Norte with 7,500, Agusan del Sur with 5,976, and Dinagat Islands with 5,804.
Sunico highlighted the implementation of TESDA’s “TESDABest” 8-point agenda, a strategy introduced by TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration. The agenda prioritizes improving access to TVET, promoting behavior and mindset change, enhancing competency standards and training regulations, and ensuring programs are demand-driven and data-driven. It also focuses on employment outcomes, flexible learning, global competitiveness, good housekeeping, and harmonization with the senior high school curriculum, ladderized higher education programs, and lifelong learning pathways.
The top sectors for TESDA-registered programs in the region include agriculture, forestry and fishery, tourism, metals and engineering, automotive and land transportation, and construction.