Kimberly Capuyan

Negros Occidental Rep. Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez, who was appointed as the new director general of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) last August 16, has promised to enhance the competitiveness of the Filipino workforce.

Photo Courtesy of TESDA/Philippine News Agency.

“The job market and our skills needs have immensely evolved since 1969. We face many challenges in catching up with digital transformation, for example, and adapting our workforce to the digital economy,” Benitez said in an interview.

“But when we help each other — in the industry, the government, and tech-voc (technical-vocational) institutions, we will succeed,” he added.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. named Benitez as the new TESDA general director following the resignation of Suharto Mangudadatu last July 31 to prepare for the 2025 local elections.

Benitez said that it was his “honor” to serve as the new TESDA chief. 

Benitez thanked Marcos for entrusting him “with this important portfolio”, and the Second Congressional Commission on Education for the nomination.

He also thanked his constituents in the Third District of Negros Occidental for their support.

The new TESDA chief is expected to assume his new role “immediately” to outline his strategic priorities for the agency in the coming weeks.

A Presidential Communications Office (PCO) press release said Benitez’s “extensive academic background and commitment to sustainable development” make him well-suited for the role.

“The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is confident in Benitez’s ability to lead TESDA towards achieving its goals of enhancing the technical skills of the Filipino workforce, promoting lifelong learning opportunities, and driving economic growth through education and skills development,” the press release read.

As a lawmaker, Benitez served as the chairperson of the House Committee on Housing and Urban Development since December 2020.

He has authored bills to address housing needs, information technology and communication gaps, professionals’ development, and teacher training, among others, in the Philippines.

“His advocacy for digital transformation, education reform, and technological innovation will be crucial in steering Tesda’s programs to meet the demands of the evolving job market and the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” the PCO said.

“He will continue the administration’s commitment to upholding the vision of TESDA as a key player in nation-building by providing high-quality education and training to Filipino workers, particularly those in the most disadvantaged sectors of society,” they added.

Benitez joined the president's Cabinet with Department of Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara as another fellow former lawmaker and Education Commission 2 commissioner.