Text by: Jennifer Manongdo
Photos by: Joseph A. Bautista
TESDA Director General, Secretary Suharto T. Mangudadatu (left), and Chancellor Michael L. Tee sign the agreement that seeks to create medical-focused Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses.
TAGUIG CITY – The University of the Philippines Manila and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) inked a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at creating medical-focused Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses.
The commitment, signed on July 15, 2024, at the TESDA Central Office, seeks to develop competency standards and certificate programs on advanced cadaver care for human anatomy courses, and Simulation Technology Center Maintenance including Plastinated Soft Cadaver Maintenance.
UP Manila Chancellor Michael Tee lauded the partnership highlighting its significant benefits to schools and state universities offering medical, nursing, and health sciences programs.
“There are support personnel who need to have the skills to assist in educational activities. We will help create programs that respond to the needs of our country particularly in health human resources development,” Chancellor Tee said during the MOU signing. “Through the technical support that our new TVET graduates, we will have an improvement in the way we teach medicine, nursing, and other health-related courses.”
“We commit to cooperate and to provide TESDA with the best personnel and the best minds of UP so that this program will prosper,” he emphasized.
Dr. Rafael Bundoc, Chairperson of the Department of Anatomy, underscored the rising demand for academic embalmers amid the increasing number of medical colleges in the country. He said UP Manila is prepared to spearhead the development of specialized training courses for academic embalmers, simulation technicians, and technical autopsy support.
TESDA Director General, Secretary Suharto T. Mangudadatu said the partnership aims to fulfill current local and international demands of the healthcare industry and tackle its future challenges.
“By integrating TESDA’s expertise in technical education and skills development with UP Manila’s distinguished academic and research capabilities, we are ready and excited to create innovative, science-focused health education and training programs. These programs will not only meet the current needs of the local and international healthcare industry but also anticipate and address future challenges,” he said. “In doing so, we will surely equip our workforce with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in the evolving and rigorous healthcare horizon.”
The officials and representatives of UP Manila were warmly welcomed by TESDA Director General, Secretary Suharto T. Mangudadatu Ph.D.; Executive Director for Partnerships and Linkages, Floramel Joy Songsong; Deputy Director of Centers for Special Concerns, Felizardo B. Colambo; Deputy Director General for TESD Operations, Vidal D. Villanueva III; Deputy Director General for policies and planning, Rosanna A. Urdaneta; and Deputy Director General for TVET Partnership and Community-Based TVET, Nelly Nita Dillera.
