TESDA consults stakeholders on ‘Cordillera institute’ IRR

LOAKAN-- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) - Cordillera gathered stakeholders here for a consultation on the draft implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) No. 11192 or the Cordillera State Institute of Technical Education (CSITE) Act.

“TESDA cannot do it alone. We need your inputs as our major stakeholders. After this consultation many more steps have to be taken, approval of the IRR, implementation of the smallest requirements. We hope that you will continue to collaborate with us,” said Engineer Manuel Wong, TESDA acting regional director.

He said that the operationalization of the CSITE will benefit the agency and other stakeholders who are also in the education and training sector.

Wong explained that that the establishment of the CSITE will not only mean a re-structuring and re-organization of physical facilities and manpower complement of the affected institutions.

“It goes deeper. This change aims at truly producing the technicians and technologists that the economy needs. It is aimed at putting into place the standards that will equip the graduates with competencies that are recognized and accepted in other labor markets,” he said.

Adding, “Establishing CSITE also aims to harmonize with partners in the public and private sectors the requirements of advancing economies, local and overseas,” he said.

Meanwhile, Baguio Rep. Marquez Go, who is the sponsor of the house bill in Congress that led to RA 11192, said that this is the first of its kind, creating a technical institute mandated to cater to the entire region. He reiterated that the outputs of the consultation are vital in developing the direction of technical education in the country.

“The President signed this into law in January 18 of this year in response to the rapid changing technologies and skills priorities, competencies in demand under the Philippine Standards and Occupations Classification, and under international labor requirements and standards,” he said.

The solon also lauded TESDA CAR with its support in the realization of CSITE.

“We believe that in order to secure a world-class workforce, one that is technically competent, innovative, creative, the country’s technical vocational education system should be strengthened,” he said . “We should also maximize the absorptive capacity and improve the institutional capability of the different tech-voc institutions,” he added.

He said that salient features of this law include additional programs, such as agriculture-related training, industry technology skills training, tourism and hospitality-related courses, livelihood skills development courses, basic business literacy, technical-vocational occupations and trade skills.

There will also be other programs - computer literacy and information technology, seminars in personality development and other preferred priority skills and trades.

He also said there is a possible establishment of research and technology hub, mobile training programs, and satellite or extension training centers throughout the region.

The consultation was attended by industry partners, TESDC committee members, National Line Agencies, LGUs, and tech-voc institutions.

“I suggest that TESDA submit its proposed budget in October 2019 so it can be submitted to the Appropriations Committee already,” he said

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Public Consultation The journey of the CSITE began in 2014. It arose from the challenges of providing the necessary inputs to ensure high quality TVET and produce globally competitive graduates.

During the consultation, Regional Technical Skills Development Committee chairperson Lawyer Betty Lourdes Tabanda suggested to include provisions of additional campuses in the future.

Apayao provincial director Victor Brioso said that in 2014, coordination with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Apayao has been done.

“A resolution was already submitted to the effect that the Apayao Training Center be included as a TESDA Technology Institution. The training center shall be recognized as a training center of the TESDA, including the building,” he said.

TESDA- Baguio/Benguet provincial director Engr. David Bungallon said that discussions with the Benguet Sangguniang Panlalawigan were already initiated.

“The SP Resolution should identify the site and the personnel therein. Should the state-run TVI unable to comply with the requirements, we cannot issue the certification of inclusion,” he said.

He added that they will consult with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) particularly on position classification.

“We are just finalizing the organizational structure. In Section 3 of the IRR, we have three options: absorption by the CSITE, absorption by TESDA, voluntary retrenchment,” he said.

He added that once approved by the Secretary and published, there should already be transition within 15 days.

“Within 2 years it should be fully operational. Hopefully, if we manage to include its budget in the 2020 GAA, operationalization will be earlier,” he noted.

PHOTO CAPTION 1: Baguio Rep. Marquez Go, who is the sponsor of the house bill in Congress that led to RA 11192 noted that this is the first of its kind, creating a technical institute mandated to cater to the entire region. He emphasized that strengthening the tec-voc education system would produce technically competent, innovative, and creative workers. (Photo by: Bernice B. Lee)

PHOTO CAPTION 2: CAPTION:Technical Education and Skills Development Authority acting regional director Engr. Manuel Wong explained that Cordillera State Institute Technical Education (CSITE) aims at truly producing the technicians and technologists that the economy needs. It is aimed at putting into place the standards that will equip the graduates with competencies that are recognized and accepted in other labor markets. (Photo by: Bernice B. Lee)

PHOTO CAPTION 3: Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) - Baguio/Benguet provincial director Engr. David Bungallon said that they will consult with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) particularly on position classification and CSITE should be fully operational within two years.