A PARTY-LIST legislator on Tuesday expressed support for the partnership between the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and BYU–Pathway Worldwide aimed at expanding access to flexible, career-focused learning opportunities for Filipinos.
House Committee on Higher and Technical Education Chairperson and TINGOG Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre was cited the collaboration which aims to strengthen cooperation between TESDA and BYU–Pathway Worldwide to deliver practical, skills-oriented education programs designed to complement the country’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system, including associate degree and certificate programs in fields such as business and information technology.
The partnership also seeks to widen access to flexible learning opportunities that allow students to pursue education while balancing work and family responsibilities, while strengthening pathways that connect training with employment and entrepreneurship.
Acidre, who attended the accord signing as chairman of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education and co-chairman of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), said initiatives that strengthen pathways between skills training, higher education, and employment are critical as the country continues efforts to align education with workforce needs.
He noted that the partnership reflects the Committee’s 10-Point Higher Education Agenda, particularly its focus on strengthening industry and global partnerships while expanding flexible and technology-enabled learning pathways that connect education with real economic opportunities.
“Education today must open more doors, not create more barriers,” Acidre said. “By bringing together TESDA’s nationwide training network and BYU–Pathway’s global learning platform, this partnership helps create pathways where skills, opportunity, and employment meet—ensuring that more Filipinos can pursue meaningful work, support their families, and contribute to the country’s long-term development.”
Present during the signing were TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez; Elder Carlos Revillo Jr., Philippines Area President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Brian K. Ashton, President of BYU–Pathway Worldwide; Don Fletcher, Philippines Area Legal Counsel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Jairus Perez, Site Manager of the BYU–Pathway Global Education Center Cebu; and Haidi Fajardo, Philippines Area Communication and Publishing Director of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Benitez said the partnership helps bring globally recognized learning opportunities closer to Filipino learners while strengthening connections between education and the economy.
“This Memorandum of Understanding creates a formal coordinating mechanism that extends world-class learning resources to the public, builds a bridge between education and the economy, and ensures sustained coordination between our institutions so that Filipino learners can truly benefit from this partnership,” Benitez said.
Elder Revillo said the initiative reflects a shared commitment to widening access to practical education and skills development.
“Today’s signing of the Memorandum of Understanding represents a shared commitment to strengthen pathways for skills development and employment,” Revillo said. “Through this partnership, TESDA and BYU–Pathway Worldwide will work together to expand access to practical, career-focused learning that helps individuals gain competencies leading to employment, entrepreneurship, and greater economic stability.”
The collaboration also supports the continued development of BYU–Pathway Global Education Centers in the Philippines, including facilities in Cebu and Cubao that provide internet access, mentoring support, and learning spaces for students enrolled in online programs.
