黑料社

MANILA, Philippines 鈥� President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday named Negros Occidental Rep. Jose Francisco 鈥淜iko鈥� Bantug Benitez as the new director general of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda).

Marcos named the lawmaker as the new Tesda chief after the resignation of Suharto Mangudadatu in July.

Malaca帽ang cited Benitez鈥� experience as the chair of the House committee on housing and urban development, which gives him a 鈥渨ealth of experience in education, development and public service.鈥�

鈥淗is extensive academic background and commitment to sustainable development make him a well-suited head of Tesda,鈥� the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a statement.

According to the PCO, Benitez has a doctorate in philosophy and is a known champion for promoting the legislation of new development paradigms balancing social equity, economic growth, and ecological sustainability.

鈥淗is advocacy for digital transformation, education reform, and technological innovation will be crucial in steering Tesda鈥檚 programs to meet the demands of the evolving job market and the Fourth Industrial Revolution,鈥� the PCO noted.

鈥淗e will continue the administration鈥檚 commitment to upholding the vision of Tesda as a key player in nation-building by providing high-quality education and training to Filipino workers, particularly those in the most disadvantaged sectors of society,鈥� it added.

Benitez, who will assume his new role immediately, is expected to outline his strategic priorities for Tesda in the coming weeks.

READ: Tesda favors opening up universities, colleges to foreign ownership

Meanwhile, the Office of the President thanked Mangudadatu for his dedicated service and contributions to TESDA during his tenure.

Mangudadatu stepped down as Tesda chief to participate in the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao in 2025.