TACLOBAN CITY — A new workplace-based training program aimed at closing the gap between education and employment was formally launched in Eastern Visayas, with Rep. Jude Acidre of Tingog party-list leading the rollout of the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) initiative in the city.
The regional launch, held at ACLC Tacloban Fatima Campus on April 20, gathered key stakeholders from government, industry, and technical-vocational sectors to support the implementation of Republic Act No. 12063, a measure that promotes learning within actual workplace environments.
Rep. Acidre said the EBET program is designed to make skills training more responsive to industry needs by immersing learners in real job settings. He emphasized that the approach helps address persistent challenges such as job-skills mismatch and limited work experience among graduates.
The law positions industries as active partners in designing training programs, ensuring that competencies developed by trainees are aligned with current labor market demands. Among its key goals are improving employability, strengthening industry-led training systems, and creating a more job-ready workforce.
The initiative also highlights the role of collaboration among the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), business groups, and educational institutions in expanding access to relevant training opportunities across the region.
Acidre acknowledged the support of TESDA Director General Jose Francisco Benitez and Deputy Director General Dan Navarro, as well as the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, for backing the program’s rollout.
He said EBET ultimately aims to bring employment opportunities closer to local communities, enabling more Filipinos—particularly in Eastern Visayas—to access stable jobs without needing to migrate elsewhere for work.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
