PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday attended the launch of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) Skills Passport mobile application, his first public appearance since being sidelined by diverticulitis two weeks ago.
Through the Tesda Skills Passport Mobile Application, we now have an all-in-one digital platform,” he said in Filipino.
“Here you will find important information about Tesda trainees, scholarships, employment opportunities, Tesda-accredited training institutions and Tesda online training courses,” he added.
The Tesda Skills Passport is a mobile-first digital solution designed to streamline training, certifications, employment and scholarship services for Filipinos.
It is a unified platform that “functions as a digital identity and portfolio, allowing users to securely store, manage, and present their skills and credentials.” Apart from backing Tesda’s digital push, the president also vowed his administration’s unceasing support for education and skills training, citing the two sectors’ vital role in empowering Filipinos to succeed in the workforce.
Highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen these sectors, the president cited this year’s allocation of over P1 trillion for education and nearly P20 billion for Tesda — the largest in the agency’s history — for scholarships and skills training programs.
“We will continue to ensure that education is adequately funded. We will also strengthen the advancement of skills development of every Filipino citizen,” the president said.
Immediately after the launch, Marcos left to attend the Philippine Telco Summit 2026 in Pasay City.
Marcos was limited to holding private meetings in the Palace after his doctors put him under medical observation for diverticulitis, a condition he said is “a common complaint” among people who are “heavily stressed” or “growing old.” He shot down speculation that he is gravely ill and even jokingly addressed his critics to “not be too excited” as his illness “is not a life-threatening condition.”
First user
The president attended the launch at the Makabagong San Juan Theater in San Juan City and became the first official user of the platform. Also at the event were Tesda Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez, Mayor Francis Zamora, about 600 Tesda learners, and officials from government and partners.
The Skills Passport, which is now available for download on Android and iOS devices, functions as a digital portfolio, allowing users to securely store verified Tesda National Certificates, manage credentials and connect directly to potential employers. Benitez said the app addresses long-standing challenges for learners whose skills are often hard to verify or whose training is disconnected from job opportunities.
“Skills are the engine of opportunity, and because of the Tesda Skills Passport, our system is now stronger to provide and verify training and certifications,” Benitez said. “With this super app, skills are now more accessible and visible, so we can better ensure that training leads to jobs.” Zamora highlighted the app’s role in integrating government services and supporting workforce development. He said the Skills Passport reflects efforts to make services more efficient, reduce red tape, and help learners and workers navigate government programs.
“Through this digital integration, we can make transactions easier for our citizens, for workers, students and families,” Zamora said.
The platform also uses government-issued PhilSys IDs for identity verification and privacy protection. An artificial intelligence-powered chatbot provides guidance 24/7, allowing users to navigate training, certification and employment services without contacting multiple offices. The app is linked with the eGov PH platform, enabling government agencies to view verified skills records.
Benitez said the app is part of a broader effort to modernize technical-vocational education and ensure that skills development is aligned with labor market needs.
“In today’s globalized and digital world, skills are what make talent tangible and potential real,” he said. “By connecting training, certification and jobs in one platform, we are helping Filipinos turn skills into opportunities.” The launch also highlighted the government’s push to build a digitally enabled workforce as the Philippines prepares for its Asean chairmanship. Officials said the app helps learners and workers compete in regional and global labor markets by giving employers easy access to verified skills.
Benitez added that the platform will continue to be enhanced with additional features in the coming months to better support learners and workers nationwide.
