NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE        ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
       ) 
First Regular Session        
       ) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
H. No. ______
Introduced by Representative Raul C. Tupas 
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF 
TECHNICAL EDUCATION TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION (DepTeTC), 
DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR, AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7796, OTHERWISE 
KNOWN AS THE TESDA ACT OF 1994, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) 
was established through the enactment of Republic Act No. 7796 otherwise 
known as the "Technical Education and Skills Development Act of 1994" with 
the aim to encourage the full participation of and mobilize the industry, labor, 
local government units and technical vocational institutions in the skills 
development of the country's human resources. 
The said Act integrated the functions of the former National Manpower 
and Youth Council (NMYC), the Bureau of Technical-Vocational Education of 
the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (BTVE-DECS) and the Office 
of Apprenticeship of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as a 
result of a national review of the state of Philippine education and manpower 
development which was undertaken by the Congressional Commission on 
Education back in 1991. 
TESDA has been the leading authority managing technical skills 
education in the Philippines. Its major thrust is the formulation of a 
comprehensive development plan for middle-level manpower based on the 
National Technical Education and Skills Development Plan that includes 
apprenticeship, dual training system and other similar schemes. 
TESDA is also improving its language course offerings in partnership 
with foreign embassies and international organizations consistent with the 
strategy to reposition technical vocational education and training (TVET) for 
global competitiveness. The language-related courses —Arabic, Mandarin, 
Korean, Italian and French —will be added to the existing courses under its 
National Skills Language Center (NLSC). President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said 
in his inaugural address on June 30 that “sharpening the language skills” of 
Filipino workers, including Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), is important to 
give them the advantage to survive and thrive in foreign countries. 
July 20, 2022
9:59 am
2176




1 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE        ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
       ) 
First Regular Session
       ) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
H. No. ______
Introduced by Representative Raul C. Tupas 
AN ACT  
PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF 
TECHNICAL EDUCATION TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION (DepTeTC), 
DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR, AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7796, OTHERWISE 
KNOWN AS THE TESDA ACT OF 1994, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Department of 
1 
Technical Education Training and Certification (DepTeTC)." 
2 
3 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy and Objectives. — It is hereby declared 
4 
the policy of the State to provide relevant, accessible, high quality and efficient 
5 
technical education, training and certification in support of the development of 
6 
high quality Filipino manpower responsive to and in accordance with Philippine 
7 
development goals and priorities. 
8 
9 
The State shall encourage active participation of various concerned 
10 
sectors, public as well as private tech-voc institutions particularly private 
11 
enterprises, being direct participants in and immediate beneficiaries of a 
12 
technically educated and trained workforces, in providing technical education 
13 
services and training opportunities. 
14 
15 
It is the goal and objective of this Act to: 
16 
17 
a. Promote and strengthen the quality of technical education and training
18 
programs to attain global competitiveness.
19 
20 
b. Focus technical education and training and certification on meeting the
21 
changing demands for quality manpower particularly in support of the
22 
industrialization thrust of the country;
23 
24 
c. Encourage critical and creative thinking by disseminating the scientific
25 
and technical knowledge base of manpower development programs;
26 
27 
d. Recognize and encourage the complementary roles of public and
28 
private institutions in technical education and skills development and
29 
training systems;
30 
31 
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2 
e.  Inculcate desirable values through the development of moral character 
1 
with emphasis on work ethic, self-discipline, self-reliance, and 
2 
nationalism; 
3 
 
4 
f.  Strongly support the implementation of the Philippine Qualification 
5 
Framework (E.O. 83 s. 2012), the Ladderized Education Program (RA 
6 
10647) and the Dual Technical Training System (R.A. 7686); 
7 
 
8 
g.  Maximize returns to the country's investment in technical education 
9 
and training through   an efficient graduates' employment facilitation 
10 
program within the framework of the national employment service 
11 
network system; and 
12 
 
13 
h. Help in the poverty alleviation efforts by providing the marginalized and 
14 
vulnerable segments of the country's population access to income 
15 
generating Technical Education and Training opportunities. 
16 
 
17 
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act: 
18 
 
19 
a. "Skill" shall mean the acquired and practiced ability to carry out a task 
20 
or job; 
21 
 
22 
b. "Skills Development" shall mean the process through which learners 
23 
and workers are systematically provided with learning opportunities to 
24 
acquire or upgrade, or both, their ability, knowledge and behavior 
25 
pattern required as qualifications for a job or range of jobs in a given 
26 
occupational area. 
27 
 
28 
c. "Technical Education" shall refer to the education process designed at 
29 
upper secondary and lower tertiary levels, aligned with the levels of the 
30 
PQF, with the pathways to higher education through the credit transfer 
31 
system based on learning outcomes aimed at preparing technicians, 
32 
technologists, para-professionals and other categories of workers 
33 
and/or entrepreneurs by providing them with a broad range of general 
34 
education, theoretical, scientific and technological studies,  and related 
35 
job skills training. 
36 
 
37 
d. "Trade" shall mean any group of interrelated jobs or any occupation 
38 
which is traditionally or officially recognized as craft or artisan in nature 
39 
requiring specific qualifications that can be acquired through work 
40 
experience and/or training. 
41 
 
42 
e. "Middle-Level Manpower" refers to those: 
43 
 
44 
i. 
who have acquired practical skills and knowledge through formal 
45 
or non-formal education and training equivalent to at least a 
46 
secondary education but preferably at post-secondary education 
47 
with a corresponding degree of diploma; or  
48 
 
49 
ii. 
skilled workers who have become highly competent in their trade 
50 
or craft as attested by industry. 
51 
 
52 


 
3 
f. Private Enterprises" refers to an economic system under which property 
1 
of all kinds can be privately owned and in which individuals, alone or in 
2 
association with another, can embark on a business activity. This 
3 
includes industrial, agricultural, or agro-industrial establishments 
4 
engaged in the production, manufacturing, processing, repacking or 
5 
assembly of goods including service-oriented enterprises.  
6 
 
7 
g. "Trainers" shall mean persons who direct the practice of skills towards 
8 
immediate improvement in some tasks.  
9 
 
10 
h. "Training" is teaching or developing oneself or others, any skills and 
11 
knowledge that relate to specific useful competencies.  
12 
 
13 
i. "Trainors/trainers" shall mean persons who provide training to trainers 
14 
aimed at developing the latter’s capacities for imparting attitudes, 
15 
knowledge, skills and behavior patterns required for specific jobs, tasks, 
16 
occupations or group of related occupations. 
17 
 
18 
j. Trainees" shall mean persons who are participants in a vocational, 
19 
administrative or technical training program for the purpose of acquiring 
20 
and developing job-related skills.  
21 
 
22 
k.  "Apprenticeship" training within employment with compulsory related 
23 
theoretical instruction involving a contract between an apprentice and 
24 
an employer on an approved apprenticeable occupation.  
25 
 
26 
l. "Apprentice" is a person undergoing training for an approved 
27 
apprenticeable occupation during an apprenticeship agreement. 
28 
 
29 
m.  "Apprenticeship Agreement" is a contract wherein a prospective 
30 
employer binds himself to train the apprentice who in tum accepts the 
31 
terms of training for a recognized apprenticeable occupation 
32 
emphasizing the rights, duties and responsibilities of each party.  
33 
 
34 
n.  "Apprenticeable Occupation" is an occupation officially endorsed by a 
35 
tripartite body and approved for apprenticeable by the Authority. 
36 
 
37 
o.  "Learners" refers to persons hired as trainees in semi-skilled and other 
38 
industrial occupations which are non-apprenticeable. Learnership 
39 
programs must be approved by the Authority. 
40 
 
41 
p. "User-Led" or "Market-Driven Strategy" refers to a strategy which 
42 
promotes 
strengthened 
linkages 
between 
educational/training 
43 
institutions and industry to ensure that appropriate skills and knowledge 
44 
are provided by the educational system. 
45 
 
46 
q. "Dual System/Training" refers to a delivery system of quality technical 
47 
and vocational education which requires training to be carried out 
48 
alternately in two venues: in-school and in the production plant. ln- 
49 
school training provides the trainee the theoretical foundation, basic 
50 
training, guidance, and human formation, while in-plant training 
51 
develops his skills and proficiency in actual work conditions as it 
52 
continues to inculcate personal discipline and work values. 
53 


 
4 
r. “Levy Grant System" refers to a legal contribution from participating 
1 
employers who would be beneficiaries of the program (often as a 
2 
percentage of the payroll) which is subsequently turned over or rebated 
3 
to enterprises offering employee training programs. 
4 
 
5 
s. "Leading Technology Centers" refers to centers that provide high quality 
6 
and efficient technical education, training and certification in support of 
7 
the development of high-quality Filipino manpower responsive to and in 
8 
accordance with Philippine development goals and priorities. 
9 
 
10 
t. "Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF)' is a national policy which 
11 
describes the levels of educational qualifications and sets the standards 
12 
for qualifications outcomes. It is a quality assured national system for 
13 
the development, recognition, and award of qualifications based on 
14 
standards of knowledge, skills, and values acquired in different ways 
15 
and methods by learners and workers of a certain country. 
16 
 
17 
u. "Laddered education" refers to the harmonization of all education and 
18 
training mechanisms that allow students and workers to progress 
19 
between technical vocational programs and higher education programs, 
20 
or vice-versa. It opens opportunities for career and educational 
21 
advancement to students and workers.  It creates a seamless and 
22 
borderless education and training system that will allow transfers in 
23 
terms of flexible entry and exit between technical-vocational and higher 
24 
education programs in the post-secondary school system. 
25 
 
26 
SECTION 4. Creation of a Department of Technical Education and Training 
27 
(DepTeTC). — There is hereby created a Department of Technical Education 
28 
and Training (DepTeTC), hereinafter referred to as the Department, which shall 
29 
replace and absorb the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority 
30 
(TESDA) created under Republic  Act No. 7796, as amended, and implement 
31 
the policies of this Act. 
32 
 
33 
SECTION 5. Jurisdiction of the Department — The Department shall be the 
34 
primary policy formulation, planning, coordinating, implementing, regulating 
35 
and administrative entity of the Government for technical education, training 
36 
and certification agenda. 
37 
 
38 
SECTION 6. Powers and Functions. — Other than the powers and functions 
39 
of the TESDA Board under Section 8 of R.A. 7796, the Department shall have 
40 
the following powers, functions and responsibilities: 
41 
 
42 
a. Formulate and recommend national policies and guidelines and conduct 
43 
in-depth studies on all policy areas and options that will promote 
44 
technical education, training, and certification in consultation with the 
45 
relevant stakeholders; 
46 
 
47 
b. Assess, review, harmonize and coordinate all technical education, 
48 
training, and certification policies and programs to ensure overall 
49 
consistency and implementation of the national policies; 
50 
 
51 
 
52 


 
5 
c. Organize and constitute various standing committees, subsidiary 
1 
groups, or technical working groups for efficient integration, 
2 
coordination and monitoring technical education, training, and 
3 
certification development programs at the national, regional, and local 
4 
levels; 
5 
 
6 
d. Enter into, make, execute, perform and carry-out domestic and foreign 
7 
contracts subject to existing laws, rules and regulations; 
8 
 
9 
e. Restructure the entire sub-sector consisting of all institutions and 
10 
programs involved in the promotion and development of middle-level 
11 
manpower through upgrading, merger and/or phase-out following a 
12 
user-led strategy; 
13 
 
14 
f. Approve training standards and assessment packages as established 
15 
and conducted by private industries; 
16 
 
17 
g. Establish and administer a system of accreditation of both public and 
18 
private institutions; 
19 
 
20 
h. Establish, develop and support institutions' trainors' training and/or 
21 
programs; 
22 
 
23 
i. Exact reasonable fees and charges for such tests and trainings 
24 
conducted and retain such earnings for its own use, subject to 
25 
guidelines promulgated by the Department; 
26 
 
27 
j. Allocate resources for the programs and subjects it shall undertake 
28 
pursuant to approved National Technical Education and Training Plan; 
29 
 
30 
k. Determine and approve systematic funding schemes such as the Levy 
31 
and Grant scheme for technical education and training purposes; 
32 
 
33 
l. Create, when deemed necessary, an Advisory Committee which shall 
34 
provide expert and technical advice to the Secretary to be chosen from 
35 
the academe and the private sector: Provided, That in case the Advisory 
36 
Committee is created, the Department is hereby authorized to set aside 
37 
a portion of its appropriation for its operation; and 
38 
 
39 
m. Promulgate rules and regulations for the implementation on its policies 
40 
and related laws; 
41 
 
42 
n. To perform such other functions as maybe needed to achieve its goals 
43 
and objectives to the fullest and as may be provided by this Act. 
44 
 
45 
SECTION 7. Power to Review and Recommend Action. - The Department 
46 
shall review and recommend action to concerned authorities on proposed 
47 
technical assistance programs and grants-in-aid for technical education or 
48 
training, or both, including those which may be entered into between the 
49 
Government of the Philippines and other nations, including international and 
50 
foreign organizations, both here and abroad. 
51 
 
52 


 
6 
SECTION 8. Composition. — The Department shall be headed by a 
1 
Secretary. The Department proper shall be composed of the Office of the 
2 
Secretary, the Offices of Undersecretaries, and Assistant Secretaries and 
3 
Regional and Assistant Regional Directors. 
4 
 
5 
The TESDA Board created under Sections 6 and 7 of R.A. 7796 is hereby 
6 
abolished. 
7 
 
8 
SECTION 9. Secretary of Technical Education, Training and Certification. 
9 
-  The Secretary shall be appointed by the President of the Republic of the 
10 
Philippines, subject to confirmation by the Commission on Appointments. The 
11 
Secretary shall have the following functions: 
12 
 
13 
a.  Provide executive direction and supervision over the entire operations 
14 
of the Department and its attached agencies; 
15 
 
16 
b. Establish policies and standards for the effective, efficient and 
17 
economical operation of the Department, in accordance with the 
18 
programs of the government; 
19 
 
20 
c. Review and approve request for financial and manpower resources of 
21 
all operating offices of the Department; 
22 
 
23 
d. Designate and appoint officers and employees of the Department, 
24 
excluding the Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries, Regional 
25 
and Assistant Regional Directors, in accordance with the Civil Service 
26 
laws, rules and regulations; 
27 
 
28 
e.  Coordinate with LGUs, other government agencies and public and 
29 
private interest groups, including non-government organizations 
30 
(NGOs) and people's organizations (POs) on Department policies and 
31 
initiatives; 
32 
 
33 
f. Prepare and submit to the President through the Department of Budget 
34 
and Management (DBM) an estimate of the necessary expenditures of 
35 
the Department during the next fiscal year; 
36 
 
37 
g. Undertake consultations with other members of the Cabinet and officers 
38 
of the government relating to technical education, training, and 
39 
certification development concerns; 
40 
 
41 
h. Advise the President on the promulgation of executive and 
42 
administrative orders and formulation of regulatory and legislative 
43 
proposals on matters pertaining to technical education, training, and 
44 
certification development; 
45 
 
46 
i. Promulgate rules, regulations and other issuances in carrying out the 
47 
Department's mandate, objective, policies, plans, programs and 
48 
projects; and 
49 
 
50 
j. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by 
51 
the President. 
52 
 
53 


 
7 
SECTION 10. Undersecretaries. — The Secretary shall be assisted by three 
1 
(3) Undersecretaries who shall be appointed by the President upon 
2 
recommendation of the Secretary: Provided, That two (2) of the 
3 
Undersecretaries shall be career officers. 
4 
 
5 
SECTION 11. Assistant Secretaries. — The Secretary shall be assisted by 
6 
three (3) Assistant Secretaries who shall be appointed by the President upon 
7 
recommendation of the Secretary: Provided, That two (2) of the Assistant 
8 
Secretaries shall be career officers. 
9 
 
10 
SECTION 12. Qualifications. — No person shall be appointed Secretary, 
11 
Undersecretary, or Assistant Secretary of the Department unless he or she is 
12 
a resident of the Philippines, of good moral character, of proven integrity, and 
13 
with at least seven (7) years of relevant experience. 
14 
 
15 
SECTION 13. Bureaus, Services, and Personnel. — The Department in 
16 
addition to the offices of the Secretary, Undersecretaries and Assistant 
17 
Secretaries shall be composed of the following Bureaus/Services to be headed 
18 
by an Executive Director to be appointed by the President upon the 
19 
recommendation of the Secretary. The Executive Directors shall have the rank 
20 
and emoluments of a Director IV. 
 
21 
 
22 
A. Planning Bureau (P.B.) 
23 
 
24 
i. 
Designs and establishes planning processes and methodologies 
25 
which will particularly enhance the efficiency of resource 
26 
allocation decisions within the technical education and training 
27 
sector; 
28 
 
29 
ii. 
Orchestrates the formulation of the National Technical 
30 
Education and Training Plan/Sectoral Plan/Regional/ProvinciaI 
31 
and maintains annual periodic review and updating of the plans; 
32 
 
33 
iii. 
Orchestrates legislative liaisoning and coordination; 
34 
 
35 
iv. 
Maintains existing and establishes new frameworks to optimize 
36 
the roles of the sub-national TET Committees; 
37 
 
38 
v. 
Conducts fora, researches, studies and develops labor and 
39 
education and training market information and knowledge 
40 
management systems for effective and efficient planning and 
41 
policy making within the sector; 
42 
 
43 
vi. 
Prepares and issues Labor Market Intelligence Reports (LMIR) 
44 
on a regular basis; 
45 
 
46 
vii. 
Conducts Impact Evaluation Studies (IES) of Technical 
47 
Education Training and Certification programs; 
48 
 
49 
viii. 
Initiates and mobilizes external TETC financing from local and 
50 
international bodies in support of the broad investments and 
51 
development programs under the NTETP and the corporate 
52 
plan; 
53 


 
8 
ix. 
Designs and develops special projects for foreign assistance 
1 
 
2 
B. Partnerships and Employment Facilitation Bureau (PEFB) 
3 
 
4 
i. 
Establishes and maintains effective and efficient institutional 
5 
arrangements with partners and stakeholders to provide direct 
6 
participation in the various functions of the Department and 
7 
access to TETC programs and services; 
8 
  
9 
ii. 
Develops and implements placement schemes designed for the 
10 
effective utilization of TET graduates either through wage and 
11 
self-employment using partnership and linkages with various 
12 
employers and industries within the framework of the national 
13 
employment service network; 
14 
 
15 
iii. 
Provides technical assistance and training support to the network 
16 
of DepTETC employment facilitation centers all over the country; 
17 
 
18 
iv. 
Establishes and maintains linkages with industry groups, 
19 
employers, workers, academe, civil society organizations/NGOs, 
20 
NGAs, LGUs, basic sectors and national and international 
21 
networks and organizations related to TE and T; 
22 
 
23 
v. 
Conducts studies on Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and 
24 
similar arrangements in aid of policy making; 
25 
 
26 
vi. 
Engages partners/stakeholders in the identification and 
27 
prioritization of the skills needs of the basic sectors for skills 
28 
training and employment opportunities; 
29 
 
30 
vii. 
 Develops and administer systems and procedures in the 
31 
monitoring and evaluation of programs related to partnerships, 
32 
linkages and placement; 
33 
 
34 
viii. 
Performs such other functions as may be authorized. 
35 
 
36 
 
37 
C.  Incentives and Scholarship Bureau 
38 
 
39 
i. 
Develops and implements incentive schemes and packages to 
40 
encourage the participation of employers and workers in 
41 
technical education and training in industry; 
42 
  
43 
ii. 
Develops and implements scholarship and grant packages 
44 
designed to provide access to the Departments clientele 
45 
particularly the unemployed, underemployed, the working poor 
46 
and the marginalized; 
47 
 
48 
iii. 
Develops and administer systems and procedures in the 
49 
monitoring and evaluation of programs related to incentive and 
50 
scholarship administration; 
51 
 
52 
iv. 
Performs such other functions as may be authorized. 
53 


 
9 
D. National Institute for Technical Education and Training (NITET) 
1 
 
2 
i. 
Recommends policies and guidelines for the maintenance and 
3 
enhancement of the efficiency and effectiveness in the 
4 
management and operations of the TETC delivery in schools, 
5 
centers, enterprises and communities within 
acceptable 
6 
standards set; 
7 
 
8 
ii. 
Serves as the technology research and development arm of the 
9 
government in the field of TET; 
10 
 
11 
iii. 
Develops, orchestrates the implementation of continuing 
12 
development programs for trainers, teachers and instructors, 
13 
panners/stakeholders in the TET sector; 
14 
 
15 
iv. 
Develops and orchestrates the implementation of a national 
16 
career guidance program and system; 
17 
 
18 
v. 
Conducts studies and researches, formulates policies and 
19 
guidelines for the optimum/sustainable utilization of existing 
20 
specialized training centers/institutions (e.g. KorPhil, TTCTCE, 
21 
TWC, LSI and other centers of technical excellence; 
22 
 
23 
vi. 
Identifies appropriate venues, from the network of public and 
24 
private TET providers, as laboratory and pilot-testing/incubation 
25 
sites in the development of training regulation, competency 
26 
standards, assessment tools, curricula, learning materials, 
27 
mock-ups and simulators; 
28 
 
29 
vii. 
Promote and conduct an annual national skills competition and 
30 
handles the participation of the country in international skills tilts; 
31 
 
32 
viii. 
Performs such other functions as may be authorized. 
33 
 
34 
E.  Qualification and Standards Bureau (QSB) 
35 
 
36 
i. 
Conducts research and development on various occupational 
37 
areas in order to recommend policies, rules and regulations for 
38 
effective and efficient competency standardization, assessment 
39 
and certification system in the country; 
40 
 
41 
ii. 
Establishes and implements a system of accrediting experts 
42 
from private enterprises, group of workers' associations and 
43 
public institutions for the development/updating of competency 
44 
standards, curriculum exemplars; 
45 
 
46 
iii. 
In collaboration with industry bodies, develops and establishes 
47 
a national system of competency standardization and 
48 
development for TET in the country; 
49 
 
50 
iv. 
Facilitates the development, validation and evaluation of 
51 
competency standards in identified appropriate venues from the 
52 
network of public and private TET providers; 
53 


 
10 
 
1 
v. 
Maintains the Philippine TVET Qualifications Framework 
2 
(PTQF) as part of the Philippine Qualifications Framework 
3 
(PQF); 
4 
 
5 
vi. 
Responsible for international benchmarking and comparability of 
6 
standards with other economies/countries; and 
7 
 
8 
vii. 
Performs such other powers and functions as may be 
9 
authorized. 
10 
 
11 
F.  Accreditation and Certification Bureau (ACB) 
12 
 
13 
i. 
Develops, maintains, and manages the national assessment and 
14 
certification program, systems and procedures; 
15 
 
16 
ii. 
Establishes and maintains the implementation of a quality-assured 
17 
system of accrediting trainers, assessors and assessment centers 
18 
in partnership with industries, training centers/institutions; 
19 
 
20 
iii. 
Establishes and maintains a system of registering, accrediting TET 
21 
programs/providers in the schools, centers, enterprises and 
22 
communities;  
23 
 
24 
iv. 
Undertakes compliance review and rating system of TESD 
25 
programs implemented by various TVls; 
26 
 
27 
v. 
Keeps custody of pertinent assessment and certification records 
28 
and maintains a registry of Certified Workers, Trainers, and 
29 
Accredited Competency Assessors and Accredited Competency 
30 
Assessment Centers; 
31 
 
32 
vi. 
Maintains a compendium of registered TESD programs; 
33 
 
34 
vii. 
Conduct researches/studies to ensure quality delivery and 
35 
implementation of assessment and certification and program 
36 
registration; 
37 
 
38 
viii. 
Develops mechanisms to continuously ensure integrity of the 
39 
assessment and certification and program registration; and 
40 
 
41 
ix. 
Performs such other functions as may be authorized. 
42 
 
43 
G.  Administrative Service (AS) 
44 
 
45 
i. 
Provides overall policies, systems, programs and guidelines in the 
46 
area of human resource management and development, 
47 
procurement management, legal management, building and 
48 
facilities 
maintenance, 
records 
management 
and 
cash 
49 
management; 
50 
 
51 
ii. 
Establishes a monitoring and reporting system on administrative 
52 
services; 
53 


 
11 
 
1 
iii. 
Orchestrates the implementation, review and redevelopment of 
2 
HRD Plan in support of the Corporate Plan and the NTTDP; 
3 
 
4 
iv. 
Leads in the establishment and implementation of integrated HR 
5 
systems; 
6 
 
7 
v. 
Provides administrative, general and legal services; and  
8 
 
9 
vi. 
Performs such other functions as may be authorized. 
10 
 
11 
H.  Financial and Management Service (FMS) 
12 
 
13 
i. 
Orchestrates and supports the implementation of the agency 
14 
quality management systems (QMS); 
15 
 
16 
ii. 
Provides overall policies, systems, programs and guidelines on the 
17 
management and utilization of Department's financial resources; 
18 
 
19 
iii. 
Establishes a monitoring and reporting system on the 
20 
management and utilization of Department's financial resources; 
21 
and 
22 
 
23 
iv. 
Performs such other functions as maybe authorized. 
24 
 
25 
I.  Internal Control and Quality Management Service 
26 
 
27 
i. 
Develops and implements internal performance and process 
28 
standards to ensure personnel and organizational efficiency and 
29 
effectiveness;  
30 
 
31 
ii. 
Monitors and ensure the maintenance of the ISO status of the 
32 
Department and/or its subdivisions; 
33 
 
34 
iii. 
Performs other functions as maybe authorized; 
35 
 
36 
SECTION 14. Regional Offices. — The Regional Offices shall be headed by 
37 
Regional Directors with the rank and emoluments of Director IV to be appointed 
38 
by the President. The Regional Offices shall be under the direct control of the 
39 
Secretary and shall have the following functions: 
40 
 
41 
a. 
Directs implementation of technical education, training, and 
42 
certification programs, projects and related activities in the region; 
43 
 
44 
b. 
Develops and recommends technical education, training, and 
45 
certification programs for local level implementation within set 
46 
policies; 
47 
 
48 
c. 
Deploys policies to stakeholders; 
49 
 
50 
d. 
Manages technical education, training, and certification resources in 
51 
the region; 
52 
 
53 


 
12 
e. 
Plans and implements policy inputs; and 
1 
 
2 
f. 
Performs other functions as may be authorized. 
3 
 
4 
SECTION 15. The Provincial / District Offices. — The Provincial/District 
5 
Offices shall be headed by Provincial/District Directors who shall have the rank 
6 
and emoluments of a Director Ill. The Provincial Offices shall have the following 
7 
functions: 
8 
 
9 
a. 
Serves as secretariat to the Provincial technical education and 
10 
training Committees; 
11 
 
12 
b. 
Provides technical assistance to the LGUs for effective supervision, 
13 
coordination, integration of all technical education and training 
14 
programs within their localities; 
15 
 
16 
c. 
Reviews and recommends priority technical education and training 
17 
programs within their localities; and 
18 
 
19 
d. 
Performs such other functions as may be authorized. 
20 
 
21 
SECTION 16. Schools and Centers. — The Technical Education and Training 
22 
delivery of the Department composed of leading technology centers, 
23 
demonstration as well as regular institutions shall have the following functions: 
24 
 
25 
a. 
Provide demonstration of leading training technology or regular 
26 
technical education and training programs relevant to the needs of 
27 
the economy as well as specific groups considered as marginalized 
28 
and/or vulnerable in accordance with the national technical 
29 
education, training, and certification agenda; 
30 
 
31 
b. 
Conducts applied research and development programs and provides 
32 
extension services in coordination with ROs/POs; 
33 
 
34 
c. 
Conducts outreach programs in coordination with ROs/POs; 
35 
 
36 
d. 
Initiates resource and income-generation programs; and 
37 
 
38 
e. 
Performs such other functions as may be authorized. 
39 
 
 
40 
SECTION 17. Compliance with the Salary Standardization Law. — The 
41 
compensation and emoluments of the officials and employees of the 
42 
Department shall be in accordance with the salary standardization law and 
43 
other applicable laws under the national compensation and classification plan. 
44 
 
45 
SECTION 18. Consultants and Technical Assistance, Publication and 
46 
Research. - In pursuing its objectives, the Department is hereby authorized to 
47 
set aside a portion of its appropriation for the hiring of services of qualified 
48 
consultants, and private organizations for research work and publication in the 
49 
field of technical education and skills development. It shall avail itself of the 
50 
services of other agencies of the Government as may be required. 
51 
 
52 


 
13 
SECTION 19. Formulation of a Comprehensive Development Plan for 
1 
Middle-Level Manpower. — The Department shall formulate a comprehensive 
2 
development plan for middle-level manpower based on a national employment 
3 
plan or policies for the optimum allocation, development and utilization of 
4 
skilled workers for employment entrepreneurship and technology development 
5 
for economic and social growth. This plan shall be updated periodically and 
6 
submitted to the President of the Philippines for approval.  Thereafter, it shall 
7 
be the plan for the technical education, training, and certification for the entire 
8 
country within the framework of the National Development Plan. The 
9 
Department shall direct through its offices to call on public agencies, the private 
10 
sector and the academe to assist in this effort. The comprehensive plan shall 
11 
provide 
for 
a 
reformed 
industry-based 
training 
program 
including 
12 
apprenticeship, dual training system and other similar schemes intended to: 
13 
 
14 
a. 
Promote maximum protection and welfare of the worker-trainee; 
15 
 
16 
b. 
Improve the quality and relevance and social accountability of 
17 
technical education and Training; 
18 
 
19 
c. 
Accelerate the employment-generation effort of the government; and 
20 
 
21 
d. 
Expand the range of opportunities for upward social mobility of the 
22 
school-going population beyond the traditional higher levels of formal 
23 
education. All government and non-government agencies receiving 
24 
financial and technical assistance from the government shall be 
25 
required to formulate their respective annual agency technical 
26 
education and skills development plan in line with the national 
27 
technical education and training plan. The budget to support such 
28 
plans shall be subject to review and endorsement by the Department 
29 
to the DBM. The Department shall evaluate the efficiency and 
30 
effectiveness of agencies skills development program and schemes 
31 
to make them conform to the quantitative and qualitative objectives 
32 
of the national technical education and skills development plan. 
33 
 
34 
SECTION 20. Technical Education and Training Committees. — The 
35 
Department shall establish Technical Education and Training Committees at 
36 
the regional and local levels to coordinate and monitor the delivery of all 
37 
training activities by the public and private sectors. These committees shall 
38 
likewise serve as the Technical Education and Training Development 
39 
Committees of the Regional and local development councils. The 
40 
compositions of the Technical Education and Training Committees shall be 
41 
determined by the Secretary of DepTeTC. 
42 
 
43 
SECTION 21. Apprenticeship Program. — The Department shall promote 
44 
apprenticeship as a major mode of training rather than an employment 
45 
arrangement and shall see to it that it is not subject to abuse by unscrupulous 
46 
entities. 
47 
 
48 
SECTION 22. Technical Education and Training Centers. — The 
49 
Department shall establish and/or cause the establishment of a network of 
50 
national, regional and local skills training centers for the purpose of promoting 
51 
skills development. This network shall include leading training technology 
52 
centers, skills training centers in vocational and technical schools, technical 
53 


 
14 
institutes, polytechnic colleges, and all other duly accredited public and private 
1 
dual system educational institutions. The technical education and Training 
2 
centers shall be administered and operated under such rules and regulations 
3 
as may be established by the Department in accordance with the National 
4 
Technical Education and Training Plan. 
5 
 
6 
SECTION 23. Establishment and Administration of National Training 
7 
Standards. - There shall be national training standards to be established by 
8 
Department-accredited industry committees. The Department shall develop 
9 
and implement a certification and accreditation program in which private 
10 
industry groups and trade associations are accredited to conduct approved 
11 
assessment packages, and the local government units to promote such 
12 
assessment in their respective areas in accordance with the guidelines to be 
13 
set by the Department. The Secretary shall determine the occupational trades 
14 
for mandatory certification. All certificates relating to the national training 
15 
standards and certification system shall be issued by the Department through 
16 
its Regional and Provincial Offices. In consonance with the Philippine 
17 
Qualification Framework (PQF), the Department shall closely collaborate with 
18 
the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) as regards to the assessment 
19 
of technicians, master craftsman and technologists. 
20 
 
21 
SECTION 24. Administration of Training Programs. — The Authority shall 
22 
design and administer training programs and schemes that will develop the 
23 
capabilities of public and private institutions to provide quality and cost-effective 
24 
technical education and skills development and related opportunities. Such 
25 
training programs and schemes shall include teacher’s trainor’s training, skills 
26 
training for entrepreneur development and technology development, cost-
27 
effective training in occupational trades and related fields of employment, and 
28 
value development as an integral component of all skills training programs. 
29 
 
30 


 
15 
SECTION 25. Assistance to Employers and Organizations. — The Authority 
1 
shall assist any employer or organization engaged in skills training schemes 
2 
designed to attain its objectives under rules and regulations which the Authority 
3 
shall establish for this purpose. 
4 
 
5 
SECTION 26. Accreditation and Regulation of Technical Education and 
6 
Training Programs. — All technical education and training programs shall be 
7 
duly accredited by the Department before it is offered to the public by any 
8 
public, private entity or non-government organization. Noncompliance with the 
9 
accreditation requirements of the Department shall be form part of the bases 
10 
for the possible suspension or cancellation of the entities' license to operate 
11 
issued by competent authorities. 
12 
 
13 
SECTION 27. Coordination of All Skills Training Schemes - In order to 
14 
integrate the national skills development efforts, all technical education and 
15 
skills training schemes as provided for in this Act shall be coordinated with the 
16 
Department particularly those having to do with the setting of trade skills 
17 
standards. For this purpose, existing technical education, and skills training 
18 
programs in the Government and in the private sector, specifically those wholly 
19 
or partly financed with government funds, shall be reported to the Department 
20 
which shall assess and evaluate such programs to ensure their efficiency and 
21 
effectiveness. 
Noncompliance 
with 
the 
above-mentioned 
reportorial 
22 
requirements could disqualify erring entities for any form of government 
23 
assistance in field technical education and training. 
24 
 
25 
SECTION 28. Enterprise Based Partnerships and Linkages. - The 
26 
Department shall establish effective and efficient institutional arrangements 
27 
with industry bodies and such other aggrupations or associations to provide 
28 
direct participation of employers and workers in the design and implementation 
29 
of skills development schemes, trade skills standardization and certification 
30 
and such other functions in the fulfillment of the Department's objectives. 
31 
 
32 
SECTION 29. Inclusive Training Opportunities. - The Department shall 
33 
likewise design and implement a delivery system for community based 
34 
technical education and training opportunities for the marginalized and 
35 
disadvantaged sectors of the population, providing them with new tools of 
36 
wealth creation and with the capability to take on higher value-added gainful 
37 
activities and to share equitably in productivity gains eventually leading to 
38 
poverty alleviation and reduction. 
39 
 
40 
SECTION 30. Skills Olympics. - To promote quality skills development in the 
41 
country and with the view of participating in international skills competitions, 
42 
the Department, with the active participation of private industries, shall 
43 
organize and conduct annual National Skills Olympics. The Department shall 
44 
promulgate the necessary rules and guidelines for the effective and efficient 
45 
conduct of Annual National Skills Olympics and for the country's participation 
46 
in internationals skills Olympics. 
47 
 
48 
SECTION 31. The TET Development Fund. -A Technical Education and 
49 
Training 
Development 
Fund 
is 
hereby 
established, 
to 
be 
50 
managed/administered by the Department, the income from which shall be 
51 
utilized exclusively in awarding of grants and providing assistance to training 
52 
institutions, industries, local government units for upgrading their capabilities 
53 


 
16 
and to develop and implement training and training-related activities. The 
1 
contributions to the fund shall be the following: 
2 
 
3 
a. 
A one-time lump sum appropriation from the National Government; 
4 
 
5 
b. 
An annual contribution from the Overseas Workers Welfare 
6 
Administration Fund, the amount of which should be part of the 
7 
study on financing in conjunction with letter (D) of Section 34; 
8 
 
9 
c. 
Donations, grants, endowments, and other bequests or gifts, and 
10 
any other income generated by the Department. 
11 
 
12 
 
The Secretary shall be the administrator of the fund, and as such, shall 
13 
formulate the necessary implementing guidelines for the management of the 
14 
fund, subject to the following: 
15 
 
16 
i. 
unless otherwise stipulated by the private donor, only earnings of 
17 
private contributions shall be used; and 
18 
 
19 
ii. 
no part of the seed capital of the fund, including earnings, thereof, 
20 
shall be used to underwrite expenses for administration. 
21 
 
22 
The Secretary shall appoint a reputable government-accredited 
23 
investment institution as fund manager, subject to existing government 
24 
regulations. 
25 
 
26 
SECTION 32. Technical Assistance, Incentives and Scholarship Grants. 
27 
—The Department shall adopt a system of providing technical assistance, 
28 
incentives and scholarship grants which shall be designed to encourage public 
29 
and private sector and clientele participation in technical education and training 
30 
activities along the priorities identified by the National Development 
31 
Plan/Agenda. 
32 
 
33 
SECTION 33. Placement Centers. — There shall be established a network of 
34 
placement centers or PLACERS in all the Provincial/ District Offices to cater 
35 
specifically to the job placement of TET institutions. These Centers shall be 
36 
financed and administered by the Department but will form part of the National 
37 
Employment Service Network of the DOLE. 
38 
 
39 
SECTION 34. Transfer of TESDA Secretariat. - The TESDA Secretariat 
40 
created under Section of R.A. 7996 shall comprise the manpower of the 
41 
Department, Provided That, no employee shall be terminated by virtue of this 
42 
transfer. 
43 
 
44 
The laws and rules on government reorganization as provided under 
45 
Republic Act No. 6656, otherwise known as the Reorganization Law, shall 
46 
govern the transfer and reorganization process of the Department. 
47 
 
48 
SECTION. 35. Structure and Staffing Pattern. - Subject to the approval of the 
49 
DBM, the Department shall determine its organizational structure, staffing 
50 
pattern, qualification standards, and placement of personnel in the Department, 
51 
its division units, services, and offices. Officers and employees of the 
52 


 
17 
department shall be appointed in accordance with the civil service law, rules, 
1 
and regulations. 
2 
 
3 
SECTION. 36. Separation and Retirement from Service. - Employees who 
4 
are separated from service within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act 
5 
as a result of the abolition/reorganization under the provisions of this Act shall 
6 
receive separation benefits to which they may be entitled under Executive Order 
7 
No. 366, s. 2004: Provided, that those who are qualified to retire under existing 
8 
retirement laws shall be allowed to retire and receive retirement benefits to 
9 
which they may be entitled under applicable laws and issuances. 
10 
 
11 
SECTION. 37. Transition Period. - The personnel of the TESDA shall, in a 
12 
holdover capacity, continue to perform their respective duties and 
13 
responsibilities and receive their corresponding salaries and benefits until such 
14 
time when the organizational structure and staffing pattern of the Department 
15 
shall have been approved: Provided, That the preparation and approval of the 
16 
said new organizational structure and staffing pattern shall, as far as 
17 
practicable, respect and ensure the security of tenure and seniority rights of 
18 
affected government employees. Those personnel whose positions are not 
19 
included in the new staffing pattern or who are not reappointed or who choose 
20 
to be separated as a result of the reorganization shall be paid their separation 
21 
or retirement benefits under existing laws. 
22 
 
23 
SECTION. 38. Appropriation. - The amount needed for the initial 
24 
implementation of this Act shall be taken from the current fiscal year's 
25 
appropriation of TESDA as specified in Section 12 of this Act Thereafter, the 
26 
amount needed for the operation and maintenance of the Department shall be 
27 
included in the General Appropriations Act. 
28 
 
29 
SECTION. 39. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The Department 
30 
shall issue, within a period of ninety (90) days after the effectivity of this Act, 
31 
the rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act. The 
32 
Department shall submit to concerned Committees of both Houses of Congress 
33 
copies of the implementing rules and guidelines within (30) days after its 
34 
promulgation. Any violation of this Section shall render the official/s concerned 
35 
liable under R.A. No. 6713, otherwise known as the "Code of Conduct and 
36 
Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees" and other existing 
37 
administrative and/or criminal laws. 
38 
 
39 
SECTION. 40. Separability Clause. - The provisions of this Act are hereby 
40 
declared to be separable, and in the event one or more such provisions are 
41 
held unconstitutional, the validity of the provisions shall not be affected thereby. 
42 
 
43 
SECTION. 41. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules 
44 
and regulations, issuances, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of 
45 
this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
46 
 
47 
SECTION. 42. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
48 
publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation. 
49 
 
50 
Approved, 
51