Siemens, Inc. strengthened its technical vocational education and training advocacy in the Philippines after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority last January 11, 2023. The MoU between Siemens and TESDA aims at exploring areas for collaboration, including support for the World Skills ASEAN Competition in 2025 and organizing technology workshops for TESDA learners and officials.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock witnessed the signing of the MoU which also coincided with a tour of the TESDA facility and training centers. The high level visit highlights the importance of Philippine - German relations.
According to a Survey on the Technology Utilization of Manufacturing Enterprises by Department of Trade and Industry, Philippine manufacturing is still transitioning from Industry 2.0 to Industry 3.0, which is far from the benchmark of Industry 4.0. Among the identified barriers to Industry 4.0 transformation from local manufacturers, one includes “Lack of Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise”. In this regard, TESDA’s mandate to promote technical education and produce a “digital” workforce is crucial in addressing the skills gap in the labor market.
TESDA is the government agency in the Philippines created by virtue of Republic Act No. 7796 that is responsible for managing and supervising technical education and skills development among the Filipino workforce. It is tasked to represent the Philippine government in hosting the World Skills ASEAN Competition in 2025.
Siemens, Inc. was established in 1992 in the Philippines as a wholly owned subsidiary of Siemens AG, the industrial automation and infrastructure company headquartered in Munich, Germany. It is a technology partner in manufacturing, infrastructure, and transportation. In the industrial sector, it has been supporting the Philippine government in leading manufacturing companies in its digitalization journey.
