Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda (left), TESDA Director-General Kiko Benitez (Facebook)

Economist-solon Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda gave a glowing testimonial for newly-appointed Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director-General Jose Francisco "Kiko" Benitez. 

"Rep. Benitez is among the best of my colleagues in the House, and will be a competent addition to the Marcos administration," Salceda said in a statement on Monday night, Aug. 19. 

Benitez is the erstwhile representative of Negros Occidental 3rd district in the current 19th Congress. 

"His appointment is a loss to the people of Negros Occidental but an unmistakable gain for the Marcos cabinet and the Filipino people," the House Committee on Ways and Means chairman said. 

Salceda further attested to Benitez's positive qualities. "I know few legislators who are more studious and diligent than Rep. Benitez." 

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"Rep. Benitez is also among the policy modernizers in the House, always on the lookout for ways to enhance policies for the benefit of our people," he added. 

Salceda shared that he and Benitez have been working together for years "on the elevation of TESDA as a Cabinet-level department, and on ensuring that our workforce has the skills necessary to meet the demands of the 21st century". 

"I look forward to working with him more on the workforce-related policies we have been collaborating," said Salceda.