DTI supports transfer of TESDA to DOLE

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) expressed support for the transfer of the attachment of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

“We in the DTI supported the transfer of TESDA back to DOLE when consulted in July,” Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said.

Under Executive Order 5 (EO5) issued by President Marcos on Friday, the TESDA was transferred from the DTI to the DOLE.
The EO states that TESDA becomes attached to DOLE for policy and program coordination.

”EO5 is just formalizing the return of TESDA to DOLE,” Pascual said.

He said the TESDA was established in 1994 under Republic Act 796 as an attached agency of DOLE.

”However, former president Rodrigo Duterte placed the agency under the supervision of the Cabinet secretary in 2016,”Pascual said.

In 2018, former president Duterte transferred the supervision of TESDA to the DTI.

Pursuant to Section 7 of the TESDA Act of 1994, the DOLE secretary serves as chairperson of the TESDA board, the DTI secretary and DepEd secretary as co-chairpersons.

EO5 indicates that the transfer of TESDA is aligned with the policy of the national government “to rationalize the functional structures of agencies with complementary mandates and promote coordination, efficiency and organizational coherence in the bureaucracy.”

“Consistent with Section 16 of RA 7796, the position classification and compensation structure applicable to the officials and employees of the TESDA shall comply with the salary standardization law and other applicable laws,” the order said.

“Nothing herein shall be construed to diminish or impair any lawful compensation or benefits that are currently being enjoyed by incumbent officials and employees,” it said.