Bontoc, Mountain Province — As part of the activities in celebration of the 31st anniversary of the agency, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Mountain Province facilitated a Kapihan on August 18, 2025, bringing together partner agencies, institutions, and stakeholders for an open dialogue on technical-vocational education and training (TVET) and its role in local development.

The event featured a panel discussion where invited speakers shared their insights on various topics:

✓ Mabel F. Banggawan, Provincial Director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Mountain Province, talked about MSME development in the province, business registration, product packaging and marketing support, and opportunities for TVET graduates to become entrepreneurs.

✓ George G. Lubin, Jr., Provincial Head of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) – Mountain Province, discussed employment facilitation programs, local labor market information, job trends, and assistance for job seekers transitioning to wage employment or entrepreneurship.

✓ Winifred G. Cue, President of the Mountain Province Association of Technical Vocational Institutions (MPATVI), highlighted collaboration among TVIs in the province, shared success stories of TVET graduates, and underscored the value of partnership and linkages to enhance training relevance.

✓ Benedicto B. Biato, Campus Administrator of TESDA–CSITE Mountain Province Campus, expounded on the importance of microcredentialing, how it provides specialized, job-ready skills in shorter timeframes, and how it allows graduates to stack credentials for career growth.

✓ Felixberto B. Matute, Jr., Provincial Director of TESDA–Mountain Province, explained the rationale of the World Café of Opportunities (WCO) as a convergence platform that brings together training, employment, and livelihood opportunities for the community.

✓ Adolovenie M. Saguipil, Supervising TESD Specialist of TESDA–Mountain Province, discussed Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET), its background, benefits for learners, enterprises, and communities.

The Kapihan also provided an avenue for participants to raise questions and share ideas to ensure that training and employment programs are responsive to the needs of Mountain Province.