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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Brian Poe explains how TESDA can help country achieve zero unemployment

Brian Poe explains how TESDA can help country achieve zero unemployment

Published Sep 6, 2025 11:42 am

At A Glance

  • FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Brian Poe wants the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to expand its scholarship programs to cover at least 2.5 million job seekers annually.
FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Brian Poe (Rep. Poe's office)
FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Brian Poe (Rep. Poe's office)


FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Brian Poe wants the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to expand its scholarship programs to cover at least 2.5 million job seekers annually.
Poe, a vice chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, said doing so could pave the way toward zero unemployment in the Philippines.
Speaking at the joint budget briefing of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and TESDA on Friday, Sept. 5, Poe praised TESDA’s track record, and noted that 80 to 83 percent of its graduates find employment after training.
“If we’re looking at an annual job seeker market of about two million, and TESDA has a proven employment success rate of 80 to 83 percent, then we should be looking at 2.5 million TESDA scholarships every year. That way, all our job seekers can be upskilled and immediately find work,” Poe said.
He explained that TESDA’s success rate speaks for itself, and that government investment in scholarships is a direct solution to unemployment.
“The statistics speak for themselves. If we have enough TESDA scholarships, we can ensure that every job seeker has a fair opportunity to upskill through government support and find decent work,” noted the "House Hotshots" member.
Poe also highlighted TESDA’s untapped potential, calling it a “sleeper agency” with the capacity to transform the Philippine economy.
He drew comparisons to vocational programs in countries like Germany and Singapore, where technical education plays a central role in sustaining competitiveness.
“TESDA is one of the agencies that could have the biggest impact on our economy. In successful countries, strong vocational programs are the backbone of employment and productivity. If we strengthen TESDA, we strengthen the future of our workforce,” underscored the solon from Pangasinan.
The legislator noted that many young graduates struggle to find work despite finishing degree programs. This ,makes TESDA a crucial alternative for practical skills training.
“A lot of first-time job seekers are graduating from programs but still struggling to find jobs. Scholarships are the key to giving them a chance. That is why I will strongly support TESDA and DOLE in ensuring these opportunities are made available to every Filipino,” he said.
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