Iza Aldana
Jun 24, 2026
Government agencies formalize stronger collaboration aimed at ensuring technical-vocational graduates gain access to jobs, entrepreneurship, and long-term economic opportunities.
TAGUIG CITY — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) have reinforced their partnership to ensure that technical-vocational graduates are provided with clearer pathways to employment and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The strengthened collaboration was formalized through the signing of a Supplemental Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) on June 24 at the TESDA Board Room in Taguig City.
DOLE Secretary Francis Tolentino and TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez led the ceremonial signing, reaffirming the commitment of both agencies to enhance coordination in employment facilitation, livelihood assistance, and technical-vocational education and training (TVET) programs.
According to Benitez, the strengthened partnership seeks to ensure that government interventions translate into tangible opportunities for Filipino learners and workers.
“We want to build a seamless pathway from training to employment. Government support should not end when a learner completes training. Our goal is to provide guidance and direct access to meaningful job opportunities,” Benitez said.
He added that technical-vocational education remains one of the fastest routes to employment, enabling graduates to enter the workforce with job-ready skills.
The agreement builds on Joint Memorandum Circular No. 001, Series of 2024, which established a framework for coordinating employment, livelihood, and skills development programs between the two agencies.
Under the Supplemental JMC, a structured referral or “graduation” system will allow beneficiaries to move efficiently across government programs. Beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, for instance, may be referred to TESDA scholarship and job placement programs, while graduates of TESDA’s Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) may qualify for assistance under DOLE’s Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP).
The agreement also introduces an Anti-Double Dipping Policy, which establishes safeguards to prevent beneficiaries from receiving similar forms of assistance from both agencies simultaneously, ensuring accountability and efficient use of public resources.
To promote inclusive enterprise development, the Supplemental JMC creates Community-Based Enterprise Groups, or “Tropa sa Negosyo at Trabaho,” which will organize individuals with complementary skills into collective enterprises aimed at improving productivity, sustainability, and market access.
In addition, DOLE and TESDA will implement a Data Sharing Framework through a shared digital registry to strengthen beneficiary tracking, eligibility verification, and joint monitoring of programs.
Officials said the enhanced partnership reflects the government’s broader commitment to creating a more integrated and responsive labor and skills development ecosystem, expanding access to quality employment, and fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth for Filipino workers.
