PH Navy, TESDA ink pact on free skills training

MANILA – In line with ongoing modernization efforts, the Philippine Navy (PN) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) signed Wednesday a memorandum of agreement (MOA) that will provide free skills training and certification related to the specialization of interested naval personnel.

“Through this partnership, TESDA is providing free skills training, assessment, and certification to PN beneficiaries through the TESDA Technology Institutions (TTIs). The skills that will be taught are related to their respective specializations, such as construction, maintenance and repair, and information technology,” PN spokesperson Commander Benjo Negranza said Wednesday night.

Navy chief, Vice Adm. Adeluis Bordado and TESDA Secretary Isidro Lapeña signed the MOA in a virtual ceremony witnessed by ranking personnel of both agencies.

Under the agreement, TESDA will also provide technical assistance to enhance the PN workforce and skills development capabilities and provide trainers with skills-related workshops, seminars, and other relevant training programs.

It is also open to dependents of PN personnel and the Navy’s civilian employees.

“TESDA is privileged to further strengthen the capacity and competence of our Navy personnel through this agreement. Through this, our PN will be able to learn or expand their skills through TESDA’s scholarship programs. The Navy personnel and their dependents will be given free skills training on different courses under the information and communication technology and construction sectors,” Lapeña said.

He also lauded the PN for coming up with this initiative and collaborating with them to make this partnership possible.

Meanwhile, Bordado said the partnership will help improve the technical skills of PN personnel.

“(The) success of this partnership will definitely support the Navy’s Human Capital Strategy and help sustain our future force projection. We will continue to strive to achieve significant transition milestones while we shift from a legacy Navy into a modern and multi-capable naval defense force, ready and able to perform our mandate to protect the Philippines’ maritime rights and interests,” he added. (PNA)