Mindanao lawyer named Tesda chief

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – President Duterte has appointed a lawyer from Mindanao as the new director of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Duterte announced Guiling Mamondiong’s appointment during last Friday’s Mindanao Eid’l Fitr ceremony at the SMX Convention Center here.

The President said Mamondiong would hold the rank of a Cabinet secretary.

Mamondiong, a Maranao from Lanao del Sur, is no stranger to national office. He was transportation and communications undersecretary during the administration of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The new TESDA chief supported Duterte’s presidential bid in the May elections.

Duterte told the crowd that there would be more Muslim appointments in his administration once the framework for the proposed change to federalism would be drawn up.

Meanwhile, former TESDA director now Sen. Joel Villanueva said he respects Duterte’s decision to appoint Mamondiong as his successor.

“I will be here if he needs me, that’s my commitment to this new administration,” Villanueva said, adding he expects his successor to maintain the agency’s ISO certification, which it obtained for three consecutive years.

“And also keep our Philippine Quality Awards, which is the highest level of national recognition for exemplary organizational performance. God bless TESDA even more,” he said.        – With Marvin Sy