Tech-voc expert named new TESDA director general

MANILA, Philippines – Technical-vocational education and training expert Irene Isaac is the new director general of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), replacing Liberal Party’s senatorial candidate, Joel Villanueva.

Isaac, who earned a Cabinet rank, was sworn into office by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Baldoz on November 6. TESDA is an affiliated agency of DOLE.

Prior to being appointed as the director general, Isaac served as the officer-in-charge (OIC) of TESDA last month after Villanueva’s resignation.

Isaac, with more than 30 years experience in the government service dedicated to technical and non-formal education, said she seeks to continue the reforms started by Villanueva in TESDA.

"Our experiences and the expertise of our officials and staff in TESDA has primed us for the challenges ahead,” Isaac said. “We are ready for the bigger role,” she said.

Aside from holding the deputy director general post in charge of the of policies and planning since 2012, Isaac also held the Quality Management and Performance Management Team chair post of TESDA and heads the secretariat of the Philippine Qualifications Framework National Coordinating Committee.

Isaac also served as TESDA regional director for National Capital Region, Bicol and Northern Mindanao and was a former executive director of the Qualifications and Standards Office and the former Skills Standards and Certification Office.

"Secretary Isaac has earned the respect of all TESDA officials and employees because of her expertise, integrity and commitment to TVET. We all welcome her appointment as our Director General," Pilar de Leon, Chief of Services for Administration said.

President Benigno Aquino III accepted Villanueva’s resignation effective October 13.