The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) MIMAROPA region recently hosted the 2024 BIMP-EAGA TVET HRD TWG Planning Conference in the picturesque city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. This significant gathering brought together key officials in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) from across the country namely TESDA Regions IX, X, XI, XII, CARAGA, BARMM and Palawan (Region IV-B), through the support of the TESDA CO Planning Office.
The conference held last June 13, 2024 at Panja Hotel was marked by insightful discussions and strategic planning sessions aimed at enhancing the TVET initiatives throughout the country and eventually contribute to the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
Ms. Myrna C. Roa, the Chief TESDS of TESDA Region IX and as the member of the BIMP- EAGA TVET HRD TWG Secretariat acknowledged the participants. RD Angelina M. Carreon of TESDA 4B gave her welcome message to the participants. She hoped that Puerto Princesa, Palawan, known for its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant culture, could provide an inspiring backdrop for delegates as they deliberated on policies, best practices, and collaborative opportunities in TVET, specifically in terms of HALAL awareness, promotion, and advocacy.
Chief Gemma Lorena A. Reyes read the message of support from ED Charlyn B. Justimbaste of the TESDA CO Planning Office which bore significant points, insights and reminders relative to the activity. Afterwards, Mr. Jimmy K. Musa, DMO III of the Public Relations Division, who was joining virtually via Zoom teleconferencing, also gave his message as the BIMP- EAGA SCE Pillar Focal Person from Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA). Mr. Said Alih K. Sha, the Chief Executive Officer of Palawan Halal Development Council, Inc. (PHDCI), also expressed his communicated support and even gave the participants a chance to personally roam around an extension of the animal farm that they manage in PHDCI.
TESDA MIMAROPA’s role as the host underscored its commitment to advancing TVET in the region and fostering international cooperation. The conference agenda encompassed a wide range of topics, including skills development, curriculum enhancement, industry partnerships, and the integration of sustainable practices in TVET.
Participants from the mentioned regions actively engaged in workshops and panel discussions, sharing insights and experiences to strengthen TVET frameworks across borders through the active tutelage of the new BIMP- EGAGA TVET HRD TWD Chairperson, RD Tarhata S. Mapandi, CESO III. The event highlighted the importance of cross-country collaborations in addressing regional challenges and opportunities in workforce development. The meeting agenda included the BIMP- EAGA TVET Exchange and Mobility, Manpower and Human Resource Development in the BIMP- EAGA TVET Sector, Conduct of BIMP- EAGA Research and Innovation Conference on Emerging Technologies, and Discussion on the Proposed Sites and Itinerary for the BIMP- EAGA- related Engagement Visit of Delegates from Sarawak, Malaysia in the Philippines.
During the workshops on the regional activities on the deliverables of the TWG for CY 2024, delegates identified key action points and initiatives to drive forward TVET excellence in the BIMP-EAGA region. These included the development of joint training programs, the establishment of industry-specific standards, and the promotion of youth skills development through innovative approaches. After the presentation per region, each region put their commitments in a unified output which served as the output of the planning conference.
The 2024 BIMP-EAGA TVET HRD TWG Planning Conference in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, served as a pivotal platform for fostering dialogue, sharing knowledge, and forging partnerships in TVET. TESDA MIMAROPA’s successful hosting of this event not only showcased the region’s commitment to educational excellence but also reinforced its position as a leading advocate for TVET advancement in Southeast Asia.