CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga (PIA) — The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Clark Development Corporation (CDC) signed a deed of usufruct and led the ceremonial site turnover for the Regional Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Innovation Center in Clark.
The event, which highlights the continued partnership between the two agencies, is part of the implementation of the Regional TVET Innovation Center (RTIC), a flagship training hub envisioned to deliver industry-driven, climate-smart, and future-ready skills development for Central Luzon.
The signing follows a Memorandum of Agreement between the two agencies inked in November 2024 during the TVET Stakeholders’ Forum.
The P207.5-million RTIC project, funded by the Asian Development Bank through the Supporting Innovation in the Philippine Technical Vocational Education and Training program, will be constructed within the Clark Freeport Zone.
Designed as a gender-responsive and climate-resilient facility, the RTIC aims to offer specialized training in warehousing and logistics management, big data analytics with cloud computing, electronics, robotics, and enterprise-based learning.
It will also serve as a collaborative platform for TESDA and industry partners to develop workforce-aligned programs for high-growth sectors.
CDC President and CEO Agnes Devanadera cited the crucial role of the center in addressing industry needs through skills alignment.
“TESDA is the answer to the gaps we have identified. We look forward to its programs to be integrated with the programs inside the Freeport Zone so that the entire business ecosystem will be completed,” she said.
Meanwhile, TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez reiterated the agency’s commitment to future-ready workforce development through the RTIC.
“This center is expected to enhance the employability and competitiveness of Filipino workers in the region by delivering accessible and modern training that meets both local and global labor market demands,” he pressed.
The event was held as part of the Labor Month celebration dubbed “Alay sa Manggagawa: Pagkilala at Pagbibigay-Pugay sa mga Manggagawang Pilipino,” jointly organized by TESDA, CDC, the Department of Labor and Employment, and partner agencies. (CLJD/MJSC, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)
