TESDA aiming to become most techie govt agency

MANILA, Philippines - The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is not just going hi-tech, it’s now aiming to become the most techie government agency.

TESDA director general Joel Villanueva said they are now in the process of developing a website for the use of students, businessmen, employers and even trainers.

In fact, Villanueva said, TESDA has partnered with leading information technology firms in enhancing the use of technology in the delivery of training to the youth and make the agency’s systems efficient.

“With the website we are developing, aspiring techvoc students can study without going to a classroom, jobseekers can also get an updated listing of job openings,” Villanueva disclosed.

People who want to put up business and want to check where they can get skilled workers may also use the website they are developing.

“We should always be reminded that TESDA should be technical. TESDA should be the number one techie government agency,” Villanueva stated.

He said they also plan to enhance further TESDA Online Program (TOP).

TESDA is also working on a technology research development program that will propagate a culture of research among technical vocational institutions (TVIs).

Villanueva has asked TESDA regional directors to identify TVIs that need support in technology research.

“We want employers and investors who want to set-up a business in the country to efficiently locate the availability of skilled workers by type of skills, sector, and geographical location,” he pointed out.

Villanueva wants a system that would allow a businessman who wants to invest in a hotel business in Cebu to check online the availability of skilled workers such as bartenders, chefs, baristas, tour guides and the like.

He then urged the private sector to partner with the agency in the development of the TESDA Information System Strategic Plan (ISSP). He would also continue to seek public support for the TOP.

Recent data from Google Analytics showed that page views for http://www.e-tesda.gov.ph reached 5,117,681 since it went online in May 2012 up to Jan. 15, 2014.

The website has 499,533 unique visitors, according to the data. To date, TOP has recorded a total of 25,631 students enrolled in various courses.

A post by one user of the online program http://www.jbsolis.com/2014/02/free-study-online-with-tesda-anywhere.html recently went viral, generating close to 12,000 Facebook likes and 11,000 shares.

The post which said “Free Study Online with TESDA Anywhere You Are” also gathered numerous comments and inquiries from users interested in availing the courses.

The online program made tech-voc courses within reach of Filipinos wherever they are.