President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Private Sector Advisory Council for Tourism (PSAC-Tourism) underscored to upskill tourism workforce through industry-specific Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) programs to quickly equip individuals with the necessary skills to fill immediate vacancies in the tourism sector.
“Eighty percent of our tourism workforce already holds TESDA certifications. We can leverage this by further increasing these certifications, with the private sector identifying the specific skills in demand,” said former Filinvest Development Corp. president and chief executive Joji Gotianun Yap during the 6th PSAC-Tourism meeting with the President on July 3, 2024 at Malacañang.
To ensure quality and relevance, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairman Popoy de Vera detailed a collaborative approach offering four-year degrees in Tourism and Hospitality Management.
“By allowing top schools to run these programs and incorporating TESDA certifications into the curriculum, we create a flexible pathway for students to gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills,” he said.
Marcos emphasized the value of short-term TESDA courses, noting how short courses enable people to get jobs quickly.
By prioritizing industry-aligned TESDA training programs, both PSAC-Tourism and the government are confident in their ability to elevate the Philippine tourism industry, attracting more visitors, creating jobs, and boosting the economy.
While the implementation of nomad visas remains an important goal for long-term tourism growth, the immediate focus is on strengthening the existing workforce through targeted training programs.
PSAC-Tourism said the strategic approach would ensure that local tourism is well-prepared to meet the growing demands of both domestic and international travelers.