Twenty high-level officials from Cambodia’s Ministry of Labor and Technical-Vocational Training and National Training Board visited the Philippines to learn from the best practices of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda).
From February 16 to 18, the Cambodia officials were exposed to the technical-vocational education and training (TVET) programs of Tesda.
“The international study tour was part of a program of the guest country to allow their senior officials and trainers to take a peek at our TVET policies, programs and practices in the Philippines,” Tesda Director General Joel Villanueva said.
Late last year Cambodia received assistance from the Asian Development Bank for a project titled “Strengthening Technical Vocational and Training,” which includes strengthening the institutional capacity of its TVET officials and trainers to plan and manage TVET in their country.
The TVET system remains in its infancy in Cambodia and needs reforms and resources to address gaps in access, quality and institutional capacity to make a sustained contribution to its national economy through quality education and training.
In its letter to Tesda, the business consultancy group Kath Marnane and Associates said the Philippines was chosen “as a good practice example due to its well-structured, organized and systemized TVET system, practices and policy.”
“Cambodia is very much interested in learning, through Philippine examples, ways in which to build a strong and proactive TVET that contributes positives to building a human-resource capital, which in turn, will improve the economic conditions of the country,” it added.
The Cambodian visitors personally met with Tesda officials in a visit to the Tesda office in Taguig City. They were introduced to the Philippine Qualification Framework, Quality Assurance and Tesda Management.
The delegates also visited TVET training Institutions, including the Monark Foundation Institute, Lyceum University of the Philippines, Tesda Women’s Center, University of Makati, Toyota Motor Philippines Technology School and Meralco Foundation Inc.