Around 1,500 runners took part in the TESDA 32nd Anniversary Color Fun Run, held from CityMall Mandalagan to the Provincial Lagoon, Bacolod City on Saturday, August 29, themed “Strong Body. Strong Mind.”
The Association of Technical Institutions of Negros Occidental (ATINO) organized the run as part of the local celebration of the 32nd founding anniversary of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, observed nationwide under the theme “TESDA @32: Husay, Tibay, Tagumpay.”
Participants included TESDA scholars, trainees, trainers, technical-vocational institutions, and industry partners.
TESDA Negros Island Region Regional Director Dr. Niña Connie Dodd delivered the welcome remarks at the program proper, followed by the anniversary message of TESDA Director General Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez.
Rep. Javier Miguel L. Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) also delivered a message of support.
He congratulated the Regional Director and the TESDA-NIR family on the agency’s 32nd year. He commended Secretary Benitez for consistently supporting the Negros Island Region since he assumed leadership of the agency.
The anniversary comes as TESDA moves to tie training more closely to employment.
Its 2024 study on the employment of TVET graduates placed the estimated employment rate among 2023 graduates at 83.34 percent, up from 79 percent in the previous survey, a press release from the Third District Congressional Office said.
The agency is targeting 600,000 to 650,000 learners nationwide this year under a Php 19-billion scholarship program, and launched its nationwide AI Readiness Training Program at STI West Negros University in Bacolod City in May.
TESDA was established under Republic Act No. 7796, signed on August 25, 1994. Its anniversary coincides with National Tech-Voc Day, observed every August 25 under Republic Act No. 10970.*
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