HOUSE Committee on Higher and Technical Education chair Tingog Party-list Representative Jude Acidre has welcomed the launch of the TESDA Skills Passport, calling it a timely reform that directly addresses long-standing weaknesses in the country’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system as identified in the Second Congressional Committee on Education’s (EDCOM II) final report “Turning Point: A Decade of Necessary Reforms.”
Acidre, co-chair of EDCOM II, said the online platform reinforces TVET’s role as one of the most direct pathways to employment, particularly for young Filipinos seeking skills that convert quickly into work, as the country continues to face skills mismatch and underemployment.
“As the nature of work continues to change, our skills systems must move faster and become more responsive,” Acidre said. “The TESDA Skills Passport is a reform that helps ensure Filipino workers are not left behind—by making skills visible, portable, and trusted, and by connecting training to real opportunities in the years ahead.”
According to the EDCOM II report, employment rates among TVET graduates rose to 58% from 37% before training, one year after completion, emphasizing TVET’s potential as a bridge from learning to livelihood.
The report also warned that weak alignment between scholarships, certifications, and actual job requirements risks leaving many graduates underemployed.
Developed by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Skills Passport allows learners and workers to store their training records, National Certificates, and competencies in a secure digital platform, while providing access to scholarships, job matching, and further training programs.
Acidre said this responds to EDCOM II’s call for a learner-centered, industry-aligned TVET system.
“The challenge now is not simply expanding training, but ensuring that every credential earned leads to real employment,” Acidre said. “Digital tools like the Skills Passport allow us to anticipate labor market needs and guide learners toward pathways that will remain relevant in the future.”
EDCOM II cited studies showing a pertinent mismatch between qualifications and available jobs, with many graduates lacking the skills required by employers.
Acidre stressed that reforms such as the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act, which promotes industry-led training, apprenticeships, and upskilling, must be reinforced through strong implementation and coordination.
He emphasized that TVET must be positioned as a credible and respected pathway, not a fallback to higher education.
“TVET should be seen as a route to decent work,” Acidre said. “With the right tools and policies in place, we can ensure that Filipino learners are equipped for the future of work.”
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