The TESDA Strategic Thrusts

Current realities necessities adjustments of the strategies of TESDA in view of the following indications:

1. The Philippine economy is still reeling from the effects of the Asian currency crises. This being the case, the absorptive capacity of the local labor market which the TVET sector is supposed to serve is down;

2. The current government indicated a very strong direction toward rural development. Therefore, TESDA must gear up TVET in support of rural development; and

3. There are good opportunities for skilled and educated Philippine labor in the international labor market that could be tapped.

It is therefore, imperative that while the economy is down and the opportunities of the workers becomes limited, alternative ways of generating employment and helping the people looking for work are identified, developed and nurtured.

The TESDA Strategic Directions

1. TESDA must exercise it Authority role of manager of the TVET sector.

2. TESDA must develop the capability of its partners through technical assistance programs.

3. TESDA must promote best practices by establishing centers of excellence in the few institutions it will retain under its supervision.

4. TESDA must generated and mobilize resources from various sources.

5. TESDA must provide more resources on technical education and skills development courses and activities with the highest return on investment and on the economy.

6. TESDA must strengthen competency assessment and certification under the TESDA Occupational Qualification and Certification System.

7. TESDA must promote and establish the Dual Training System (DTS) as preferred mode of training workers.

8. TESDA must actively participate in the government thrust toward rural development through a convergence strategy.

9. TESDA must pursue micro enterprise development with partners providing the entrepreneurship components of the program.

10. TESDA must develop and establish programs designed to pursue opportunities in the overseas labor market