Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) said his bill establishing a Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) training center in Murcia, Negros Occidental, was approved by the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education Monday, January 30.

House Bill 2333 seeks to widen access to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs for Murciahanons and neighboring local government units, he said.

“We hope to bring more opportunities for education, employment, and growth for Muricahanons and nearby residents,” Benitez said.

Benitez said he envisions the center to offer courses on digital literacy to equip Murciahanons with cognitive and technical skills to stay ahead in the emerging digital economy and adapt to the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

“A TESDA training and assessment center in Murcia will bring TVET programs closer to the people of Murcia, open up new opportunities for gainful employment and livelihood, and contribute to poverty alleviation,” he added.

Murcia, with a population of 88,868 had a poverty incidence of 21.3 percent in 2018, virtually unchanged from 21.6 percent in 2009, Benitez said.

Through TVET programs, Murciahanons will develop new skill sets and enable them to acquire jobs and earn higher income, he said.*