Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS
1 Regular Session

House Bill No.__450

Introduced by Representative OMAR S, DUTERTE

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Republic Act No. 7796, or the Technical Education and Skills Development Act of 1994, underscores
the State’s responsibility to deliver “relevant, accessible, high-quality, and efficient technical
education and skills development” in support of producing a competitive and skilled Filipino
workforce aligned with the nation’s development goals.

In pursuit of this mandate, this measure proposes the establishment of a TESDA Central Office
in Davao City. As one of the most populous and economically significant cities in Mindanao,
Davao City serves as a strategic location for a central administrative hub that will oversee and
coordinate the implementation of technical-vocational education and training (IVET) programs
across the region.

Currently, the absence of a central TESDA administrative presence in the city poses limitations
in terms of efficient program delivery, inter-agency coordination, and accessibility for
constituents in the southern Philippines. A Central Office would address these gaps by serving as.
the primary command center for policy execution, monitoring and evaluation, and resource
allocation for regional and district offices within Davao Region and nearby provinces.

More importantly, the proposed TESDA Central Office will
programs for marginalized sectors—including low-income famil
with disabilities, and indigenous peoples—who are often left behind in economic growth. By
cquipping them with markct-relevant technical skills and industry-based certifications, the office
will enable them to become self-reliant, competitive, and productive members of society

expand access to quality training
out-of-school youth, persons

Beyond individual empowerment, the presence of a TESDA Central Office in Davao City will
strengthen the region’s human capital, support local industries, and foster inclusive development
in Mindanao—helping bridge the socio-economic gap between urban centers and underserved

communities.


In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

HON. S$. DUTERTE


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
1 Regular Session

House Bill No. 450

Introduced by Representative OMAR S. DUFERFE

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY DISTRICT OFFICE IN THE CITY OF DAVAO AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. There is hercby established a regular district office of the Technical
Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in the City of Davao, to be known as the
“TESDA-Davao City District Office”. It shall be located in a highly accessible arca in the City of
Davao.

SEC. 2. The TESDA-Davao City District Office shall serve the City of Davao and its
adjacent localities.

SEC. 3. The TESDA shall determine the organizational structure and staffing pattern
for the TESDA-Davao City District Office and submit the same to the Department of Budget
and Management for approval.

‘The Centers shall each serve as TESDA-acctedited Assessment Center for acquired
competencies in TVET programs. They shall also provide technical-vocational training for
teachers and curriculum design assistance to the sccondary schools offering the
technical-vocational livelihood track under the K to 12 Program in coordination with the
Department of Education and the TESDA.

SEC. 4. The Secretary General of TESDA shall immediately include the
operationalization of the TESDA-Davao City District Office in the program of TESDA, the
initial funding of which shall be charged against the current year’s appropriation of the existing
TESDA Davao del Sur Provincial Office. Thereafter, the amount necessary for the continued
operation of the TESDA-Davao City District Office shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act.

SEC. 5. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or ina newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,