Gov’t told to help TESDA graduates secure jobs

A LAWMAKER on Monday urged the government to strengthen job placement efforts for graduates of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), saying training programs should immediately translate into employment opportunities.

In a statement, Party-list Rep. Menchie “Ching” B. Bernos said that the government must prioritize helping TESDA graduates secure jobs as soon as they complete their training, especially as the agency expects more than 600,000 scholars to finish their courses this year.

“We are happy that with TESDA’s increased budget, more and more Filipinos have access to its various programs,” Ms. Bernos said, “But now we have to look even father and focus on helping them find jobs right after graduation.”

She also said that larger investment in skills training should be matched with stronger employment initiatives to ensure graduates can immediately enter the workforce and maximize the benefits of government spending.

Prolonged unemployment rate after graduation could prevent workers from meeting basic household needs, delay opportunities for further skills development, and increase the risk of falling deeper into poverty, Ms. Bernos said.

“Every month that TESDA graduates remain unemployed is another month of disadvantage and hardship. That is why we must develop solutions that will help them find jobs sooner in industries that match their skills,” she said in Filipino. — Pexcel John Bacon