February 23, 2026 – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) are expanding their partnership to enhance the skills of OFWs. This joint initiative focuses on providing continuous upskilling programs to help Filipino workers remain highly competitive in the global job market.
A Commitment to Lifelong Learning
TESDA Director General, Secretary Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez, highlighted the importance of this collaboration during a recent morning assembly at the DMW headquarters in Mandaluyong City. He reminded government officials and the public that education and training must continue long after a worker leaves the country.
“Upskilling is an investment,” Secretary Benitez stated. “It is a way of future-proofing yourself in an increasingly competitive global market.”
He emphasized that a worker’s learning journey does not stop upon deployment. Instead, acquiring new knowledge and refining existing abilities becomes even more critical while navigating foreign work environments.
Strategic Goals of the Partnership
The strengthened coordination between the DMW and TESDA aims to build a solid employment foundation for OFWs worldwide. The initiative targets several core objectives:
- Global Recognition: Ensuring that host countries officially recognize and properly utilize the specific skills and certifications of Filipino workers.
- Continuous Improvement: Providing accessible training pathways that allow workers to upgrade their competencies according to international industry standards.
- Increased Competitiveness: Empowering workers to become more confident and capable, allowing them to adapt to changing labor demands.
By aligning their respective programs, the two agencies want to guarantee that OFWs can maximize their talents and secure better roles wherever they operate.
Empowering the Filipino Workforce
This upskilling initiative directly supports the national directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to protect, uplift, and empower Filipino migrant workers. The government mandates that every related policy must directly strengthen the workforce.
Through dedicated skills development, Filipino workers can secure higher-quality job opportunities, negotiate better working conditions, and build stable careers abroad. The DMW and TESDA remain fully committed to supporting OFWs through comprehensive education, ensuring they have the right tools to succeed and achieve their career goals anywhere in the world.