TESDA chief highlights Ph TVET innovations in UK forum
June 5, 2025
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Kiko Benitez represented the Philippines on the global stage as one of the distinguished panelists at the Education World Forum (EWF) 2025 held in London, United Kingdom.
With the theme “From stability to growth: Building stronger, bolder, better education together,” the EWF, held last May 18–21, gathered education ministers, policymakers, and thought leaders from over 100 countries to discuss challenges and innovations shaping education systems worldwide.
Secretary Benitez participated in a high-level panel that tackled “How might we ensure that study and training programmes remain relevant to changing socio-economic contexts?”. His co-panelists included Udo Michalik, Secretary General of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs, Germany; Arberie Nagavci, Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Kosovo; and, Haja Ramatuial Wurie, Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Sierra Leone.
Drawing from the Philippine experience, he highlighted TESDA’s transformative agenda in aligning technical vocational education and training (TVET) with the demands of Industry 4.0 and the digital economy.
The TESDA chief emphasized, “TVET must not only respond to the needs of today’s labor market but also anticipate the future of work, where adaptability, innovation, and human-centered learning are essential.”
Secretary Kiko Benitez also shared key initiatives under his leadership, including strengthening Enterprise-based Education and Training (EBET) programs, and efforts to integrate TVET more closely with general education and lifelong learning. Further, he also underscored the importance of international cooperation in building resilient and future-ready skills systems.
“In the Philippines, we are reimagining skills development as a pathway for inclusive growth, especially for underserved communities,” added Secretary Kiko.
TESDA’s participation in the forum provided an opportunity to intensify the Philippines’ collaboration with other countries, global organizations, and education partners to advance TVET reform and innovation.
The EWF is the world’s largest annual gathering of education and skills ministers. The event provides excellent networking and peer learning opportunities for ministers from around the world to discuss the most pressing issues in the education sector.
