TESDA Secretary Benitez inaugurates Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 Training and Innovation Center

BAGUIO CITY – Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez led the launch of the Robotics and CNC Manufacturing Facilities at the TESDA Cordillera State Institute of Technical Education (TESDA CSITE) Main Campus Annex in Loakan, Baguio City, on January 24, 2026, marking a major milestone in advancing Industry 4.0–aligned skills training in the Cordillera Administrative Region.

The launch was one of the highlights of TESDA CSITE’s 7th Founding Anniversary celebration, underscoring the government’s continued investment in modern, technology-driven technical-vocational education and training (TVET).

The Robotics and CNC Manufacturing Area is designed as an advanced training environment that bridges traditional machining and modern industrial automation. It provides learners with hands-on exposure to computer numerical control (CNC) machining, robotics, and smart manufacturing systems currently used in industrial production settings.

During his keynote address, Secretary Benitez emphasized TESDA’s role in addressing skills mismatches and preparing a future-ready workforce. He shared,

“TESDA is poised for 2026 to have a minimum of 600,000 to 700,000 scholarship slots. Clearly, we need more collaboration with industry, DepEd, and CHED to ensure that we maximize the impact of every peso put into the education sector.”

The Robotics and CNC Manufacturing Facilities feature a “factory-in-school” setup with industrial-grade CNC machines, robotics and automation training systems, and simulation technologies, including virtual reality stations, that allow trainees to gain practical experience before entering the workplace. CSITE Executive Director Daisy C. Bungallon highlighted that the facilities strengthen the institute’s role in producing industry-ready graduates equipped with advanced manufacturing and automation skills.

Noriel Ramos, Senior TESD specialist of TESDA CSITE, explained that the facility bridges the gap between traditional manual machining and modern industrial automation. He said, “The facility addresses the skills mismatch identified in the Philippine Development Plan by upgrading the workforce to high-value competencies like robotics, CNC programming, and industrial automation. It also supports the Cordillera Regional Development Plan’s goal of revitalizing industry through science, technology, and innovation, producing technologist-level graduates ready to drive the region’s economic growth. The facility ensures our workforce is not only skilled in manual operations but also proficient in G-code and robotic integration.”

The facility also supports TESDA’s new diploma programs, including the Diploma in Mechanical Manufacturing Technology (DMMT) and the Diploma in Electro-mechanical Manufacturing Technology (DEMT). It provides trainees with opportunities to earn National Certifications in machining and mechatronics. It serves a broad spectrum of learners, including senior high school graduates, TVET scholars, and existing industry workers seeking upskilling, ensuring they are prepared for high-value employment in advanced manufacturing.

Also in attendance were TESDA Deputy Director General for TESD Operations Vidal D. Villanueva III; Deputy Director General for TVET Partnerships and Linkages Felizardo R. Colambo; Deputy Director General for TVET Partnerships and Linkages Nelly Nita N. Dillera; Acting Regional Director of TESDA CAR Engr: Glenn Murphy, and other TESDA CAR officials and staff.

The Robotics and CNC Manufacturing Facilities are expected to enhance workforce competitiveness in the Cordillera region, producing technologist-level graduates who can meet evolving industry standards, contribute to local economic development, and support the region’s transformation into a hub for innovation-driven industrialization and a knowledge-based economy. #