• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed Negros Occidental Third District Rep. Jose Francisco Bantug Benitez as the new head of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Malacañang announced Friday.
In a statement, Benitez said it is an honor for him to serve the country as TESDA Director General.
Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said Benitez’s extensive academic background and commitment to sustainable development make him a “well-suited head of TESDA.”
“The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is confident in Benitez’s ability to lead TESDA towards achieving its goals of enhancing the technical skills of the Filipino workforce, promoting lifelong learning opportunities, and driving economic growth through education and skills development,” Garafil said.
Benitez said he thanked President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for entrusting to him what he described as an “important portfolio,” and those who nominated him or the position, including Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, different education organizations, and his colleagues in EDCOM2, local officials, and civic groups in his district.
Benitez replaces TESDA director general Suharto Mangudadatu, who resigned from his post to prepare for the 2025 local elections.
He was also among those endorsed to be Department of Education secretary, a position given to former Senator Sonny Angara.
While he is moving to a new role, Benitez said he will not abandon the 3rd district.
“I will remain to be always at your service,” the outgoing 3rd district solon stressed.
With his imminent resignation from his post as 3rd district representative, it was not determined yet who will be serving as the district caretaker, from next month until June 30 next year.
Stressing that his new role is a full circle moment for him, Benitez said it was his grand-aunt, Senator Helena Z. Benitez, who authored Republic Act No. 5462 which established the National Manpower and Youth Council, the progenitor of TESDA.
Benitez, who has a doctorate in Philosophy, is known for championing legislation that promotes new development paradigms balancing social equity, economic growth, and ecological sustainability.
As a lawmaker, Benitez served as the chairperson of the Committee on Housing and Urban Development in the House of Representatives.
Benitez, who replaced Secretary Teng Mangungudatu, according to Garafil, has a “wealth of experience in education, development, and public service,” making him qualified as the new TESDA chief.
She said Benitez would assume his new role as TESDA director general “immediately” to outline his strategic priorities for the agency in the coming weeks.
“His advocacy for digital transformation, education reform, and technological innovation will be crucial in steering TESDA’s programs to meet the demands of the evolving job market and the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” Garafil said.* with PNA reports
