The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), through the Southern Luzon Technological College Foundation, Inc. (SLTCFI), is offering various short courses to enhance skills for future employment, supported by the PHP5-million Department of Trade and Industry-Smart Prototyping, Innovation, and Collaboration Yielding-Tech (DTI-SPICY) facility.

TESDA Deputy Director General Galo Glino III visited the facility on Tuesday to promote the “training-to-work” program consisting of micro-credential courses — short, intensive offerings designed to upskill workers, youth and students amid fast-changing technology.

“Every month, there are changes in artificial intelligence (AI). That’s why we need to speed up the programs of TESDA. And that is why we are promoting micro-credential courses,” he said.

Glino said the government, with the support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., has allocated PHP500 million for micro-credential courses in 2026.

“It will be in the form of scholarships and training costs to support providers and institutions that offer these micro-credential courses. Here in Albay, SLTCFI is one of the pioneering institutions that offers micro-credential courses on AI and digital technologies,” he said.

Glino said TESDA continues to work on marketing, promotion, and advocacy for AI skills, encouraging institutions to offer and register AI-related courses. Based on data analysis, the country has around 18,000 absorptive capacity slots for AI skills training.

TESDA is also tapping a nationwide network of academic institutions to offer AI skills training. Around 80 percent of TESDA graduates are employed, Glino added.

The agency also signed an agreement with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on packaging courses in semiconductors and electronics engineering that can lead to an engineering degree.

“TESDA is not only the traditional trades that we know. Not only in welding, driving, baking, cooking, sewing, or manicure. TESDA has also already leveled up, and our training programs need to level up to be able to join these related technologies,” he said.

SLTCFI offers micro-credential courses including AI applications and digital productivity tools; cyber hygiene; assembly of solar nightlights and post lamps for IPs; drone operation and piloting for disaster management; 3D printing and digital fabrication; product photography; and robotics and automation.

DTI-Bicol Region Director Dindo Nabol said a PHP5-million creatives hub will also be constructed in Camarines Sur and a PHP2-million facility in Masbate.

“A proposal was submitted by different cooperators to DTI for funding. The SPICY facility here in Albay is suited for digitalization skills training, while the two provinces are for creativity,” he said. (PNA)