The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on Tuesday highlighted recent digital modernization efforts that aim to reach more Filipinos.
TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez toured members of the media in some of the agency’s facilities, and also shared ongoing modernization and digital transformation.
“Access is the first step to opportunity. By strengthening our digital systems like the eKYC (electronic know-your-customer)-enabled TESDA Skills Passport and expanding e-TESDA offerings, we are removing barriers so Filipinos can immediately access training, and reskill and upskill anytime, anywhere, even without traditional requirements slowing them down,” he said.
The TESDA Skills Passport mobile app was launched in February 2026 and can be downloaded on Android and iOS devices. Its eKYC feature was designed to streamline learner registration as it strengthens identity verification by allowing users to validate their identity through multiple secure options, including matching personal information against PhilSys with a liveness check, or verifying via National ID number or QR code.
It also supports alternative government-issued IDs such as passport, driver’s license, Social Security System ID, Government Service Insurance System e-Card, unified multipurpose ID, postal ID, voter’s ID and PhilHealth ID.
“The app is a secure digital portfolio that lets users store verified certifications and access location-based training centers. Additionally, it features built-in tools for job matching, online learning, and scholarship applications, all protected by PhilSys identity validation,” TESDA Public Affairs Executive Director Floramel Joy Songsong told the Philippine News Agency.
Songsong also noted that TESDA continues to expand and upgrade its TESDA Online Program (TOP), accessible through e-tesda.gov.ph.
Through TESDA’s partnership with UNEVOC Network, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) global network of technical and vocational institutions; and the HP Foundation under UNESCO’s Global Skills Academy, selected HP LIFE Program courses are now available for free on the TESDA Online Program.
These help learners gain industry-relevant information and communication technology, entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence (Al) skills for better employment and livelihood opportunities, Songsong said.
“TESDA has also introduced new qualifications and online learning modules on the TOP including Early Childhood Care and Development Services NC III and Bookkeeping for Sangguniang Kabataan Financial Transactions NC II. These are designed to strengthen competencies in early childhood education management and local financial administration through practical, industry-relevant training,” he said.
Meanwhile, TESDA also cited its partnership with STI College, and the launching of the Artificial Intelligence Readiness Training Program last May.
The initiative introduces courses including Data Collection and Annotation (Data Science/Artificial Intelligence) Level II, AI Prompting for Automation Level III, and Data Analytics Level III, designed to prepare learners for careers in the digital and AI-driven economy.
“Initially, the AI training is expected to benefit a total of 3,273 learners nationwide (until) December 2026,” Songsong added. (PNA)