In a landmark partnership to advance technical education, expand employment opportunities, and promote financial inclusion, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has partnered with GCash, the country’s leading finance app and largest cashless ecosystem operated by G-Xchange Inc. (GXI).
TESDA director general Kiko Benitez and G-Xchange Inc. vice president and head of innovations Leonardo Ferdinand Byron Perez signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance the public’s access to the TESDA Online Program (TOP), the agency’s free learning platform that offers courses in industries such as finance, information technology, tourism, and agriculture.
The agreement strengthens the link between skills training and job placement, ensuring a more seamless transition for TESDA graduates. Through the partnership, learners will be able to access industry-relevant courses and effortlessly explore employment opportunities via GJobs, powered by PasaJob. By linking skills development with job accessibility, this collaboration will help Filipinos move efficiently from education to workforce readiness, supporting their long-term career growth.
Secretary Benitez shared that this alliance reinforces TESDA’s commitment to making technical education more accessible, especially to those in the underserved and marginalized sectors.
“Through this collaboration with GCash, we can reach more Filipinos and equip them with the industry-relevant skills and opportunities they need to succeed in today’s evolving job market,” the TESDA Chief said.
In addition, under the agreement, TESDA and GCash will hold consultative meetings to explore how financial technology tools and innovations can improve TOP and digital learning in general, leveraging on GCash technology and its vast user base.
The collaboration laid the foundation for a strategic partnership that paves the way for innovative initiatives. It also ensures a more seamless transition from skills training to job placement, contributing to reducing unemployment as mandated by the Ferdinand Marcos Jr. administration.
This milestone alliance reflects a shared commitment to exploring opportunities that upskill individuals and drive meaningful progress in these critical areas.
“This collaboration marks a significant step forward in bridging the gap between technical training and the employment opportunities to use it on,” says G-Xchange Inc. vice president and head of innovations Leonardo Ferdinand Byron Perez. “By integrating TESDA’s programs within the GCash platform, we are empowering individuals with the tools they need to build financial independence and secure meaningful job opportunities in the digital economy,” he added.
As of writing, the TOP, accessible through e-tesda.gov.ph, has 187 courses across different sectors.
It can be recalled that TESDA had earlier tapped GCash to provide the former’s scholars the option to receive their Training Support Fund via GCash. Likewise, Globe and TM subscribers were given free data access to the TOP during the pandemic.
