CLARK PORT FREE — The Philippine government is strengthening its efforts to equip Filipinos with industry-ready skills through a partnership between Clark Development Corp. (CDC) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda).

The collaboration was formalized with the signing of a deed of usufruct led by CDC President and CEO Agnes VST Devanadera and Tesda Managing Director Jose Francisco Benitez at the Royce Hotel and Casino on November 8.

The project will establish the Regional TVET Innovation Center (RTIC) here with a budget of P207.5 million, financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the Innovation Support Program in technical vocational education and training in the Philippines.

In his message, Devanadera highlighted that the partnership with Tesda will address the skills gap by aligning workforce capabilities with industry needs.

“Tesda is alive and well. Tesda is the answer to the gaps we identified,” Devanadera said.

“We look forward to Tesda’s programs being integrated with the Clark Freeport Zone programs so that the entire trade ecosystem is completed. Only in this type of dynamic and innovative partnership can we we can move forward,” she added.

RTIC will modernize training programs in warehouse and logistics management and big data analytics, with advanced facilities such as smart warehousing areas, electronics and robotics laboratories, manufacturing workshops and training spaces. incubation for startups.

It will also focus on research, corporate training and workforce development, partnering with the Gonzalo Puyat School of Arts and Crafts to ensure industry-relevant training.

For his part, Secretary Benitez highlighted his agency’s commitment to improving the skills of Filipino workers to meet local and global standards.

“At Tesda, we are committed to providing Filipinos with opportunities to increase their employability, productivity and competitiveness, qualities that are crucial in adapting to the digital transformation and technological innovation brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution , including inherent productivity, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. in rapidly evolving global and global competition,” he said.

Located in the Clark Free Trade Zone, RTIC benefits from proximity to key logistics, manufacturing and information technology (IT) industries, providing hands-on training and direct links to employers .

The center’s sustainable and smart design aligns with Clark’s broader goals of becoming a hub of technology, innovation and sustainability.

This initiative will also involve local governments in selecting interns, providing transportation subsidies and expanding access to training opportunities.

With RTIC, the government aims to improve employability and prepare Filipinos for careers in high-growth sectors.