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Technical Education and Skills Development Authority IX - Zamboanga Peninsula
NEWS AND EVENTS
"Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay empowered with TESDA IX news."
Stay updated with the latest developments, programs, and activities of TESDA IX - Zamboanga Peninsula. This page features press releases, success stories, and coverage of events that highlight TESDA's commitment to skills development, innovation, and community empowerment.
From training launches to regional initiatives and partnerships, the News and Events page serves as your reliable source of information on how TESDA IX continues to transform lives through quality TVET.
FORGING STRONGER PARTNERSHIPS: TESDA IX AND INDUSTRIES CHAMPION ENTERPRISE-BASED EDUCATION AND TRAINING (EBET)
Over 100 representatives from various industries, partner institutions, and government agencies gathered for the Regional Industry Forum organized by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Region IX last August 14, 2025 at the Rosa Function Hall, UZ Laboratories Building, Universidad de Zamboanga Main Campus, Tetuan, Zamboanga City.
With the theme “Reimagining EBET: A Whole-of-Society Approach to Education, Enterprise, and Employment,” the forum highlighted the vital role of Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) in advancing skills development and creating greater employment opportunities for the Zamboanga Peninsula workforce.
TESDA IX Regional Director Tarhata S. Mapandi, in her welcome message, emphasized the importance of strong collaboration between industries and training institutions. Inspirational messages were delivered by TESDA Deputy Director General Nelly Nita N. Dillera and TESDA Director General Sec. Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez, both reaffirming TESDA’s commitment to industry-driven training.
Industry perspectives were also featured, with Mr. Pedro Rufo N. Soliven, RTESDC Chair, speaking on Private Sector Engagement in EBET: Challenges and Opportunities, while Samuel M. Lasaca, Resident Manager of SPLC-DACON Company, shared Best Practices in TVET Partnerships.
A major highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between TESDA IX and partner industries to strengthen EBET implementation in the region.
In the afternoon sessions, Atty. Russel A. Jallorin, DOLE IX Assistant Regional Director, presented the Labor Market Profile of Zamboanga Peninsula, while Dr. Don Patrick Dalid, DTI IX Focal Person, discussed Emerging Industry Trends and Their Implications for TVET.
Through this landmark gathering, TESDA IX reaffirmed its commitment to fostering industry linkages, strengthening enterprise-based training, and ensuring that technical-vocational education remains responsive to the evolving needs of the labor market in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
TESDA, LOCAL LEADERS WORK TOGETHER TO FUTURE-PROOF COMMUNITIES THROUGH SKILLS
To align TESDA programs with the province’s development agenda, Regional Director Tarhata S. Mapandi, CESO III, along with the TESDA Zamboanga del Norte Cluster, conducted courtesy visits to provincial and congressional offices in Zamboanga del Norte.
During the visits, TESDA presented key reference materials to guide stakeholders in planning and implementing data-driven Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs. These include the Provincial TESD Plan 2025–2028, Provincial Skills Priorities, and ABDD Granularized Skills Map.
Among those who expressed strong support were Congressman Adrian Amatong, who acknowledged TVET’s role in meeting district skills needs; Congresswoman Irene Labadlabad, who committed to expanding access to relevant training; and Governor Darel Dexter T. Uy, who pledged continued support in line with his “Kuyog Ta sa Bag-ong ZANORTE” agenda.
The engagements reaffirm the value of strong partnerships in building an inclusive, future-ready workforce under the leadership of TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez.
ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE TVIs CONVENE FOR 3RD QUARTER CONFERENCE
Over 43 technical vocational institutions across Zamboanga del Norte gathered at the Dipolog School of Fisheries for the 3rd Quarter TVET Conference last August 7, 2025.
TESDA IX Regional Director Tarhata S. Mapandi, CESO III, emphasized the vital importance of collaborative governance in scaling up the impact of TESDA programs, particularly in far-flung and underserved communities.
Meanwhile, Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Director Engr. Alan T. Bacatan highlighted the continuous stakeholder engagement to ensure the sustainability of TVET initiatives in the province.
With the theme “Strengthening TESD System for Future-Ready Workforce,” the conference served as a platform to present key updates on program registration processes, enterprise-based education and training, micro-credentialing, and scholarship implementation.
The conference reaffirmed TESDA’s commitment to equipping communities with future-ready skills, in line with the 8-Point Agenda of Secretary Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez, which champions a demand-driven and data-driven approach to technical education and workforce development.
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Over 43 technical vocational institutions across Zamboanga del Norte gathered at the Dipolog School of Fisheries for the 3rd Quarter TVET Conference last August 7, 2025.
TESDA IX Regional Director Tarhata S. Mapandi, CESO III, emphasized the vital importance of collaborative governance in scaling up the impact of TESDA programs, particularly in far-flung and underserved communities.
Meanwhile, Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Director Engr. Alan T. Bacatan highlighted the continuous stakeholder engagement to ensure the sustainability of TVET initiatives in the province.
With the theme “Strengthening TESD System for Future-Ready Workforce,” the conference served as a platform to present key updates on program registration processes, enterprise-based education and training, micro-credentialing, and scholarship implementation.
The conference reaffirmed TESDA’s commitment to equipping communities with future-ready skills, in line with the 8-Point Agenda of Secretary Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez, which champions a demand-driven and data-driven approach to technical education and workforce development.