New Tesda chief to prioritize digital transformation
BACOLOD CITY – A lawmaker who has just been appointed director general of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) has vowed to use digital innovation to upskill young people and the workforce.
Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez, the representative of Negros Occidental’s third district, said the country is faced with many challenges in catching up with digital transformation and adapting the workforce to the digital economy.
“The job market and our skills needs have immensely evolved since 1969. But if the industry, the government, the academic and tech-voc institutions work together, we will succeed,” he said in an interview on Friday, shortly after Malacañang announced his appointment as the new Tesda head following the resignation of Suharto Mangudadatu.
Benitez is expected to assume his new role immediately and will outline his strategic priorities for the Tesda in the coming weeks, Malacañang said in a statement.
Benitez, who has a doctorate in Philosophy, is known for championing legislation that promotes new development paradigms.
“His advocacy for digital transformation, education reform, and technological innovation will be crucial in steering Tesda’s programs to meet the demands of the evolving job market and the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” Malacañang said.
Wealth of experience
Benitez, the younger brother of Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez, thanked President Marcos for “entrusting me with this important portfolio.”
“This new role is a full circle moment for me. It was my grand-aunt, Senator Helena Z. Benitez, who authored Republic Act No. 5462 which established the National Manpower and Youth Council, the progenitor of Tesda,” he added.
Benitez’ great grandfather, Conrado Benitez, founded the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement and was one of the founders of the 1935 Constitution.
His father, Jose Conrado Benitez, served as deputy minister of Human Settlements when former First Lady Imelda Marcos was minister.
Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil in a statement, said Benitez, chair of the committee on housing and urban development in the House of Representatives, brings with him a wealth of experience in education, development, and public service.
Garafil said Benitez’s extensive academic background and commitment to sustainable development make him a well-suited head for Tesda.
Benitez said he was grateful to the different education organizations and colleagues in the Education Commission 2 who nominated him, and the support of his colleagues in the House of Representatives, particularly Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
He also thanked the people of Negros Occidental, especially the local officials and civic groups in the third district of the province.
