In November 2024, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) decided to strengthen workforce development with the help of the Law on the Karakasan Program for Education and Training in Enterprises (EBET), aimed at improving skills training, increasing employment opportunities, and reducing the gap between education and industry.
Today, February 28, TESDA's Director-General Jose Francisco "Kiko" B. Benitez, together with key officials, industry leaders, and stakeholders, signed the Rules and Regulations of the Republic on the Legislative Program for Education and Training in Enterprises (IRR) of Corporate Law N12063, or the Law on the Karakasan Program for Education and Training in Enterprises.
These Rules and Regulations provide guidance for implementing the Law on the Karakasan Program for Education and Training in Enterprises, aimed at strengthening collaboration between TESDA, enterprises, and educational institutions to ensure that the country’s workforce possesses skills relevant to industry demands.
"The Law on the Karakasan Program for Education and Training in Enterprises is a transformative law that allows us to move forward with a developing labor market both within the country and overseas," emphasized Benitez.
Now that the Rules and Regulations have come into effect, TESDA aims to actively collaborate with various partners from the industry for the realization of the karakasan at a national level.
"These Rules and Regulations, developed by TESDA and interested stakeholders in the implementation process, will pave the way for the Filipino worker to enhance their qualifications and reskill for career growth," he stated.
The Law on the Karakasan Program for Education and Training in Enterprises, which was signed by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., is intended to create professionals who meet the needs of companies.
"Graduates of the Education and Training in Enterprises program ideally fit to satisfy any requirements of our company," he noted.
As emphasized by Senior Manager of Ramcar Technologies, Engineer Dario Tolentino, practical training is significant for creating pathways "from education to employment."
"In the factory, we were acquainted with real working demands at the plant. We do not regard interns as such, but rather as a part of the already active workforce," he added.
