The National Rollout of TVET Micro-Credentials for the Luzon Cluster was held on May 8–9, 2025, at the Grand Ballroom of Newtown Plaza Hotel, Baguio City. Spearheaded by the TESDA Central Office, the activity forms part of the implementation of TESDA Circular No. 077, series of 2024, which contains the Omnibus Guidelines on TVET Micro-Credentialing for the skilling, upskilling, and reskilling of the workforce. The rollout aimed to deepen understanding and strengthen the implementation of micro-credentials within the TVET sector, particularly among key TESDA offices and external stakeholders from the Luzon Cluster, comprising TESDA Region I, Region II, and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
To ensure targeted learning and exchange, participants were grouped across the two-day activity according to their institutional roles. Day 1 was attended by TESDA internal implementers, including Regional Directors, Provincial Directors, ROD Chiefs, Regional and Provincial UTPRAS Focal Persons, and TTI Administrators. Meanwhile, Day 2 welcomed a broader set of stakeholders such as ROD Chiefs, Regional UTPRAS Focals, TVI Administrators, Industry Stakeholders (three per province), and TVET Association representatives (three per province). Although the structure and flow of activities were consistent across both days, the diversity in participant backgrounds enriched the discussions by offering varied perspectives on policy implementation, practical application, and industry alignment.
The event commenced with a warm welcome from TESDA CAR Regional Director Balmyrson M. Valdez, followed by an inspirational message from Cluster Head Deputy Director General for Policies and Planning Rosanna A. Urdaneta, and an audio-visual message from TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez. These opening messages underscored TESDA’s strategic direction in advancing industry-responsive micro-credentialing to meet the evolving needs of Filipino learners and the labor market.
A key segment of the event was the presentation by Redilyn C. Agub, Assistant Executive Director of the Qualifications and Standards Office (QSO), titled “Empowering the Filipino Workforce for the Future: Innovating Workforce Development Through Micro-Credentials.” She contextualized TESDA’s micro-credentialing efforts within national and international trends, emphasizing the urgency of adapting to rapid industrial and digital shifts.
Agub thoroughly explained the rationale and evolution of TESDA’s policy on micro-credentials, citing key issuances including Circular No. 48, s. 2021; Circular No. 58, s. 2022; Memorandum No. 42, s. 2023; and Circular No. 077, s. 2024. She highlighted how micro-credentials offer modular, stackable, and industry-aligned learning units that promote lifelong learning, fast-track reskilling, and boost employability, especially relevant in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Participants were introduced to the TESDA Micro-Credentials Ecosystem, which includes:
• Definitions and types (e.g., UCs, COCs, CS/TRs, skills-based, emerging tech programs)
• Structuring approaches such as bundling, unbundling, and re-bundling
• The “Supermarket of Competencies” model that allows TVIs to design flexible training programs
• Guidelines for titling, packaging, and aligning programs with emerging technologies and labor market intelligence
Agub also walked participants through the Evaluation Criteria for Micro-Credentials, which served as the foundation for the succeeding workshops. These criteria include:
- Relevance
- Learning Outcomes
- Curriculum Design
- Assessment Criteria
- Credibility and Recognition
- Quality Assurance
- Accessibility and Inclusivity
- Duration and Workload
- Pathways and Progression
- Defined Level (based on PQF)
Each criterion was clearly defined with its purpose, documentation requirements, and recommended practices. The session emphasized evidence-based program design and continuous stakeholder engagement, particularly the vital role of industry in validating competencies.
Agub concluded her session with TESDA’s future directions, including the digital badging of credentials through the TESDA BEST Skills Passport, potential integration of MCCs into macro qualifications, and the development of AI-powered tools for labor market analysis and curriculum design, providing implementers and stakeholders with both strategic vision and actionable insights.
Following this, Ida T. Miape, Acting Chief TESD Specialist of the Certification Office – Program Registration Division, presented the Registration and Recognition Procedures for Micro-Credential Courses. She offered a step-by-step explanation of how TVIs can recognize and register MCCs within TESDA’s program registration system.
Miape’s presentation clarified the types of micro-credentials—standalone units of competency (UC), clusters of competencies (CoC), and bundled TRs/CS—and how they can be offered either independently or as part of existing qualifications. The registration process was detailed, from the submission of a Letter of Intent to the orientation, evaluation, ocular inspection, and issuance of either a Certificate of TVET Program Registration (CTPR) or Certificate of Recognition (CoR).
A focus was placed on the documentary requirements, such as the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) or Training Plan (TP), Institutional Assessment Tools, and UTPRAS-compliant trainer qualifications. Miape also showed sample certificates and coding formats to assist participants in compliance.
Importantly, she explained that registered bundled MCCs can be unbundled and offered without the need for additional CoRs, allowing more flexible implementation. She showcased interdisciplinary bundling examples, like Robo Welding Programming, that address emerging workforce demands.
An open forum followed, supplemented by a Slido Q&A facilitated by the TESDA Central Office. This segment allowed participants to clarify concerns and share insights on program implementation, alignment with labor needs, and strategies for sustaining industry engagement. The resource persons responded thoroughly, reinforcing the policies and procedures shared earlier.
Subsequently, participants engaged in regional workshop sessions facilitated by Mercedes E. Javier, Chief TESD Specialist, QSO-CPSDD, applying their learnings to craft plans for micro-credential implementation in their respective areas. Each region presented outputs that demonstrated their grasp of micro-credential concepts and localized approaches to implementation. These outputs offered innovative strategies that can inform the broader national framework. Despite the sessions extending past 6:00 PM, participants showed high energy and commitment throughout.
The Workshop and Output Presentation served as the culminating activity of each day. On Day 1, TESDA internal implementers conducted a structured evaluation of existing CBCs or TPs using the MCC Evaluation Checklist. Each regional group assessed a curriculum based on an actual TR and proposed revisions for a micro-credential titled “Troubleshoot and Repair Mobile Unit and Handheld Gadget Leading to Mobile Phone and Handheld Gadget Servicing NC III.” The outputs were reviewed by the TESDA Central Office panel, which provided recommendations for improvements and documentation.
On Day 2, the workshop transitioned to designing new MCCs anchored on emerging technologies and future workforce demands. CAR and Region I focused on CBC development, while Region II presented a detailed Training Plan. Plenary presentations revealed deep contextualization and innovation, with proposed programs in automation maintenance, AI diagnostics, and digital logistics operations. The TESDA Central Office offered validation and technical feedback, reinforcing the importance of evidence-based design and industry consultation.
The event formally concluded with closing messages from key TESDA regional leaders. On Day 1, TESDA CAR Assistant Regional Director and TESDA Apayao Provincial Director Glenn N. Murphy expressed appreciation to participants and emphasized continued collaboration. On Day 2, Belmar G. Angoling, FASD Chief and concurrent TESDA Abra Acting Provincial Director, thanked stakeholders for their active participation and highlighted the need to sustain the rollout momentum across Luzon.
The National Rollout of TVET Micro-Credentials for the Luzon Cluster built awareness, understanding, and readiness among TESDA implementers and stakeholders. The presentations and workshops provided comprehensive technical knowledge and practical tools necessary for the effective development, registration, and implementation of micro-credential programs. More importantly, the active engagement, insightful outputs, and collaborative energy throughout the two-day event demonstrated a shared commitment to advancing responsive, modular, and industry-driven training that empowers Filipino workers. Moving forward, the Luzon Cluster’s strong showing during this rollout serves as a promising indicator of the nationwide success of TESDA’s Micro-Credentialing initiative.
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