The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the SM Foundation teamed up to enhance the skills of Filipino workers and increase their access to employment.
The two organizations signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that strengthens their collaboration to develop industry-relevant training programs, conduct skills training and Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET), and facilitate job placements through SM job fairs and other initiatives.
The partnership aligns with the SM Job Opportunities Building Skills (J.O.B.S.) advocacy and will connect TESDA learners and graduates with career opportunities within the SM group of companies, spanning sectors such as construction, food and beverage, hospitality, and logistics.
SM Investments Corporation president and chief executive Frederic DyBuncio cited the importance of the collaboration.
“We strongly believe that our continued growth as a business is deeply connected to the development of the people we serve and partner with. That’s why this partnership is important to us…it is exactly through collaborations like this that we can help build and strengthen our future workforce,” said DyBuncio.
The agreement builds on existing job matching and upskilling efforts by the SM Group.
SM Supermalls hosted 20 job fairs nationwide on Labor Day on May 1, connecting about 15,000 job seekers with around 1,000 employers, resulting in over 2,000 on-the-spot hires.
The Asia Pacific College, an SM-affiliated institution, conducted upskilling sessions with the American Chamber on topics including Artificial Intelligence (AI) Fundamentals and Business Applications, as well as Data Analytics and AI Maturity.
TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez thanked the SM Foundation and the SM Group of Companies for embracing the vision.
“This partnership is for our future, current trainees, employers, and industry leaders. May this endeavor bring us closer to a nation where every Filipino has the skills, tools, and opportunity to succeed. May this be the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership. Because we always say, together, TESDA can do it.”
The organizations highlighted the increasing importance of technical skills in today’s rapidly evolving labor market, driven by digital transformation, automation, artificial intelligence, and changing consumer demands.
This partnership seeks to empower Filipino talents with the necessary skills to enhance their productivity, support their professional growth, and succeed in a competitive economy.
