September 8, 2025 – In TESDA Auditorium, Taguig City, Manila, the Mindanao State University (MSU) System, through its System President, Atty. Paisalin P.D. Tago, CPA, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), to advance technical-vocational education across Mindanao and the Philippines. TESDA Secretary Hon. Jose Francisco Benitez highlighted the importance of the MOU, stating, “Through this MOU, TESDA and MSU will strengthen TechVoc programs across 11 campuses, training students from digital literacy to advanced training, from healthcare to renewable energy, from agriculture to semiconductors, from halal food processing to halal pharmaceuticals and halal finance, while also providing support for our former combatants and their talents.”
The MOU was signed by TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco ” Kiko” Benitez and MSU System President Paisalin P.D. Tago. The signing was witnessed by MSU University and Board of Regents Secretary Atty. Nur-Elias P. Yusoph, MSU IIT Chancellor, Atty Alizedney Ditucalan, MSU GenSan Chancellor Atty. Shidik Abantas, MSU TCTO Chancellor Dr. Mary Joyce G. Sali, and members of the MSU System Board of Regents in a ceremony witnessed by officials, stakeholders, and representatives from both institutions. Among the individuals instrumental in this significant collaboration is MSU Regent Gracita R. Jacinto-Ali.
The MOU signing underscores a shared vision between MSU and TESDA to elevate skills development, ensuring Filipino youth, including marginalized communities, are equipped for global competitiveness. As highlighted by the President in his message, “Through this collaboration, we take a decisive step towards strengthening Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) within MSU’s eleven constituent universities and colleges across Mindanao, Sulu, and Palawan.”
Additionally, the event included a ceremonial recognition for MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) students Abraham Badar and Roneil Arriesgado, who achieved a Bronze Medal in Mechatronics at the WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025 competition.
