UV, TESDA-7 hold consultation to equip students with job-ready skills
- September 27, 2024 |
- UV Communications and Public Affairs Department
The University of the Visayas hosted a significant consultation with officials from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Region VII on Thursday, September 26, at the Dona Andrea Hall of UV-Main Campus.
The three-hour event was attended by top UV administrators, including Dr. Conrado E. Iñigo Jr., University President, Dr. Rosemarie Cruz-Español, VP for Finance and QMS, Dr. Anna Lou C. Cabuenas, VP for Academic Affairs, and Mr. Elmer Ocaba, VP for Administration.
Key officials from TESDA Central Visayas office also graced the occasion led by Engr. Gamaliel B. Vicente Jr., Regional Director, along with Senior TESDA Specialist Ms. Cheyenne S. Soon, and Chief of the Regional Operations Division, Ms. Jocelyn V. Cabahug.
Deans, program coordinators, and directors from various UV campuses were also present.
The consultation opened with the university prayer, followed by the presentation of UV’s Vision, Mission, Goals, and Objectives (VMGO) and an institutional video highlighting the university’s impact on education.
Dr. Iñigo delivered the welcome remarks, emphasizing the importance of being proactive in leading the university towards excellence. He outlined the university’s commitment to ensuring that UV graduates are job-ready and equipped with the necessary industry skills.
Dr. Iñigo also stressed the importance of communication proficiency through the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC), as well as ensuring that graduates become eligible through the Civil Service Exam (CSE).
Moreover, he called for the integration of TESDA’s National Certification (NC) into the university’s system, underscoring the need for graduates to have both academic credentials and vocational certifications to remain globally competitive in the workforce.
Engr. Vicente, for his part, pledged full support to UV. This includes providing assistance with facilities and resources, particularly in training the university's trainers.
Engr. Vicente and his team also presented TESDA’s various programs and services including the Unified TVET Program Registration and Accreditation System (UTPRAS), Philippine TVET Competency Assessment and Certification System (PTCACS), and PQF Level V Diploma Program.
Additionally, TESDA officials discussed the agency’s scholarship programs such as the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP), Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA), Special Training for Employment Program (STEP), and Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA), among others.
These programs aim to address job-skill mismatches and ensure that students are equipped with the skills needed by various industries.
Ms. Soon, Senior TESDA Specialist, affirmed that TESDA would actively support UV in the development of its diploma curriculum programs.
Ms. Jocelyn Cabahug also provided insights into the region’s ongoing initiatives and services that could benefit UV students and faculty members.
In closing, Dr. Iñigo urged the college deans to align their programs with diploma offerings to meet the needs of industries and encouraged faculty members to take advantage of the TESDA Online Program, which provides opportunities for professional development at their convenience.
The consultation demonstrated a strengthened partnership between UV and TESDA, with a shared goal of producing highly skilled, job-ready graduates who can contribute meaningfully to key sectors of the economy.