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The menu of programs under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) should adapt with the rapidly changing digital landscape so Filipino workers would be ‘future-ready’, Parañaque 2nd District Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan said on Tuesday.

Yamsuan in a statement said he has filed House Bill (HB) No. 4037 or the proposed Tesda Programs Modernization Act to address the job and skill mismatch issues hounding the workforce today.

Under HB No. 4037, Tesda’s programs would be expanded by also covering digital skills and emerging technologies – including the placement of courses on artificial intelligence (AI), software development and coding, game design, cybersecurity, digital marketing, robotics and 3-D printing.

‘Within twelve (12) months from the effectivity of this Act, Tesda shall expand its courses and programs to include emerging technologies and digital skills aligned with the Industry 4.0 and future industrial revolutions, such as but not limited to Artificial Intelligence, software development and coding, game development, cybersecurity, digital marketing and e- commerce, robotics, and 3-D printing,’ Yamsuan said in the bill.

‘Tesda shall ensure that its courses and programs are reviewed every three (3) years and updated as necessary, to remain responsive to technological advancements, with the goal of future-proofing the Filipino workforce,’ the bill added.

According to Yamsuan, the country needs to make sure that Filipino workers remain competitive across the globe, by requiring Tesda to modernize its offerings.

‘In this digital age, the labor market is constantly evolving. We need to make sure that our labor force can always catch up by mandating TESDA to broaden its accredited course offerings to include programs that would arm our workers with ‘future-ready’ skills,’ Yamsuan, a member of the House committee on labor and employment, said.

Yamsuan cited the case of his city, Parañaque, noting that there are a lot of available jobs within buildings accredited by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, but applicants fail to meet the standards set by these companies.

‘For example, in the City of Parañaque, there are multiple buildings accredited by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, reflecting continued demand for information technology and technology-enabled services.8 However, there are not a lot of opportunities to learn about emerging technologies to access higher-value jobs,’ Yamsuan said in the bill’s explanatory note.

‘This measure aims to expand Tesda’s accredited programs to modern technological and digital fields. By doing so, it operationalizes the constitutional mandate to give priority to science and technology education, training, and services,’ he added.

Yamsuan also pointed out a 2021 report by the Philippine Institute of Development Studies, which stated that the current Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs are largely ineffective in curbing underemployment among young people.

The same report also found that six in 10 Filipino workers are employed in elementary or agricultural occupations, and jobs often rely on basic skills.

Yamsuan is not the lone lawmaker who has raised concerns over the adequacy of Tesda’s programs and other higher and technical education offerings. Last August, Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre said that part of his priority as the House committee on higher and technical education chairperson is to modernize the Tesda and Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) charters.

Acidre explained that updating the two agencies’ charter laws is part of a 10-point higher education reform legislative agenda.

Last July, nonprofit organization Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) said that despite decades of reforms to the education system, the country’s learning crisis has persisted, with the gap between graduates and employment only growing wider and students’ performance as well as teaching quality continuing to decline.

PBEd Executive Director Hanibal Camua said these factors have caused a growing disconnect between education and employment, as graduates struggle to find jobs after graduation.

Yamsuan said the bill seeks to address these findings, and other recommendations by Edcom 2 or the Second Congressional Commission on Education – like a call to prioritize digital technology in terms of working on overseeing curriculum standards.

‘All these sectors require our workers to possess technological skills dahil halos lahat ng industriya ngayon ay gumagamit na ng makabagong teknolohiya (because almost all industries today utilize modern technologies),’ he added.

Teachers and education workers are set to stage a walkout in time for the commemoration of World Teachers’ Day on Oct. 3 (Friday), the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) announced on Tuesday.

The walkout will take place in Mendiola, according to ACT Chair Vladimer Quetua, as a sign of protest in marking the World Teachers’ Day to again demand for substantial education budget increase, salary hikes, and would even double as a call to end corruption and bureaucrat capitalism ‘that continue to deprive schools of resources.’

Quetua lamented how teachers continue to bear the brunt of persistent problems, especially in public schools, such as their meager wages, overcrowded and dilapidated classrooms, shortages in books and other learning materials, and the growing list of workloads.

While these problems remain unresolved, he pointed out that the government would rather spend its billions of funding on the ‘pork-laden’ infrastructure projects, confidential funds, and the continued funding for its counterinsurgency programs under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, which, during the Duterte administration, had been notorious on linking government critics with the underground armed rebellion.

‘This won’t be just a simple celebration of World Teachers’ Day this year,’ Quetua said at a press conference in Quezon City. ‘We are all suffering from hunger and neglect while our officials are milking all funds intended for Filipinos, which include funds for education.’

The only way for them to be seen and heard again would be through their collective action in calling for an end to corruption and to press the government for higher salaries for teachers and more funding for the education sector.

Among their calls would be the increase of salary, suggesting that the increase for all teachers and education workers be increased to P50,000 as minimum for Teacher I rank and P36,000 as minimum for education support personnel.

Quetua said they will also call for an increase in salaries for Instructor I, with a Salary Grade 16, and equal pay for private school teachers.

The group will also urge the government to double the education budget to meet the United Nations’ requirement of 6 percent of the gross domestic product.

‘The October 3 walkout will serve both as a day of protest and a day of assertion: to honor the struggles of teachers by demanding decent pay, sufficient funding for classrooms and learning resources, and the dismantling of corruption at the highest levels of government,’ Quetua said.

‘World Teachers’ Day is not about token recognition or hollow praises from the same government that abandons us,’ Quetua noted. ‘It is about the collective voice of teachers demanding justice, dignity and real support for education.’ /cb

While it is his prerogative to step down from his post, former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co should still return to the country to face the possible charges against him for his alleged involvement in anomalous flood control projects of the government, according to Malacañang.

The renewed call for Co came as his colleagues at the House of Representatives expected him not to come back anytime soon, and the Department of Justice raising concern that it would be ‘inevitable’ for him to be a ‘fugitive.’

‘Nothing can stop him from making his decisions, but if ever a case is filed against him, he will not be able to avoid it, he cannot run away from it,’ Palace press officer Claire Castro said in a briefing on Tuesday.

‘So it would be better that if he becomes an accused, he should simply fight for his rights and defend his innocence based on the evidence he holds,’ she added.

Co resigned from being a member of the House on Monday, citing ‘the real, direct, grave and imminent threat’ to him as well as ‘the lives of my family members.’

The decision to leave his post came just as the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) asked the Office of the Ombudsman to recommend filing of graft complaints against him and 17 others, including officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and his construction firm Sunwest Inc. over a substandard flood control project in Oriental Mindoro worth P289.5 million.

According to the ICI, Co, as former House appropriations committee chairperson, received unwarranted benefits in relation to construction projects of Sunwest.

Co was accused of getting billions of pesos in kickbacks by contractors and DPWH officials testifying in congressional inquiries into flood control projects.

‘If his name is being mentioned, then definitely he must answer it. Because if he fails to respond and chooses to avoid it, he will only appear guilty. That’s why it is better for him to explain his side,’ Castro said.

The DOJ has requested the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to issue a blue notice on Co.

Castro said the DOJ was still waiting for a response from the Interpol on its request as of Tuesday.

Should it be granted, the notice practically allows surveillance on the lawmaker, since it serves to advise Interpol’s member states to ‘collect additional information about a person’s identity, location or activities in relation to a criminal investigation.’

According to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, they no longer expect Co to face the DOJ, which may lead to him being tagged as a fugitive through the Interpol.

‘He won’t make any more appearances. He will be a fugitive. Isn’t that how people usually act when they have problems-they disappear?’ said Remulla in a press conference.

‘So far, he’s not yet a fugitive, but that will inevitably be his status here,’ he added.

As of Sept. 29, Remulla said Co was currently staying in Madrid, Spain.

The DOJ is verifying reports that he is set to return to Singapore via Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Oct. 5 to get admitted to a hospital.

Former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co will be invited to the next hearing of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s investigation on the corruption behind anomalous flood control projects, according to Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson.

Lacson said that while the Blue Ribbon Committee, which he chairs, was still awaiting some developments in the case before scheduling the next hearing, it would already send invitations to Romualdez and his colleagues.

He stressed that this should debunk the perception of some sectors that the Blue Ribbon Committee is targeting, favoring or even ‘protecting’ some personalities.

‘We are not covering up for anyone here,’ the senator said.

In the case of Romualdez, the invitation will be coursed through House Speaker Faustino Dy III, ‘in observation of the time-honored inter-parliamentary courtesy between the two houses of Congress.’

In Co’s case, Lacson said the invitation letter will be sent to his address.

‘Now we know he is abroad and will not show up. If that is the case, we will issue a subpoena, and then a show-cause order,’ Lacson said in an interview on NET25. ‘If the show-cause order is not satisfactory, we will cite him in contempt of the committee and issue a warrant for his arrest,’ he added.

Government troops, acting on community tip-offs, unearthed a cache of firearms and explosives believed to belong to remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Cogon, Carigara, Leyte, on Sunday.

Soldiers from the 93rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, in coordination with the Philippine National Police’s Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO), discovered the hidden stockpile at Sitio Eraya, Zone 3.

According to Lt. Col. Celeste Frank Sayson, commander of the 93IB, the recovery was made possible through the ‘active vigilance’ of residents who relayed information to authorities.

The arms cache was traced to the dismantled Platoon 2, IC-LEVOX of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.

Items recovered included an M16 rifle, a hand grenade, 118 live rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, three short magazines, an empty shell, two improvised blasting caps, subversive documents, a Lenovo tablet, five kilograms of rice, assorted clothing, medical supplies, and a backpack.

Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, lauded the cooperation of Carigara residents in the government’s anti-insurgency campaign.

‘We commend the troops of the 93IB and the PNP for their swift action on the information provided by the community. The cooperation of the people is vital in putting an end to the crimes being perpetrated by the remaining NPA members in Carigara,’ Vestuir said in a statement.

He also renewed his call for the remaining NPA members in Leyte to lay down their arms and avail themselves of government programs designed to help former rebels reintegrate into society.

The latest discovery follows a clash in the same barangay in June 2025 that left three IC-LEVOX members dead, including Juanito Sellesa, alias ‘Tibor,’ a ranking member of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee

Leading global smart devices provider HONOR Philippines has officially announced the availability of the new HONOR 400 in Smart Stores nationwide and via the Smart Online Shop, bundled with Smart Signature Plan Plus 1499.Following the successful launch of the HONOR 400 last June 17, the excitement and demand from the public showed no signs of slowing down. In fact, the AI-powered HONOR 400 sold out within just four days after its availability was announced. Today, HONOR proudly brings the much-anticipated HONOR 400 to Smart, one of the country’s leading telecommunications service providers.

‘We’re excited to make the HONOR 400 available through Smart’s Signature Plan Plus 1499. With unbeatable perks, free accessories, and ViLTE support for clearer connections, this offering gives Filipinos the best value to upgrade their mobile lifestyle,’ said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines.

The HONOR 400 offers a sleek design, AI-powered performance, and seamless 5G connectivity-now made more accessible with Smart’s best-in-value Signature Plan Plus. Smart customers can choose from its three dynamic colorways: Desert Gold, Tidal Blue, or Midnight Black. Every purchase of HONOR 400 with Smart Signature Plan Plus 1499 comes with a FREE JISULIFE Handheld Pro 1S, making it an even smarter deal. Freebies will be available until September 30, 2025, only.

Smart Signature Plan Plus 1499 Inclusions:

40 GB Data for 6 Months and/ 120 GB Data for 6 Months

Unlimited 5G Data for 12 months

Unlimited AllNet Calls and Texts

Unlimited Landline Calls (excluding special numbers)

Free Netflix Mobile Plan or ?149 off on existing plan

Access to Postpaid Perks

Extra 20 GB FREE data for 6 months

The HONOR 400 is available at a total device cost of ?19,700 only, with the added convenience of 0% downpayment when purchased using all major credit cards in the country.This makes owning the latest HONOR smartphone more accessible than ever, giving Filipinos flexible payment options while enjoying premium technology and exclusive Smart Signature Plan Plus perks.HONOR 400: Smarter Connections with Smart ViLTE

Now available with Smart, the HONOR 400 takes everyday communication to the next level with Smart’s Video-over-LTE (ViLTE) feature, exclusive for Smart Postpaid subscribers. With this, Smart users can enjoy:

High-definition video calls with sharper clarity and more reliable connections compared to traditional voice calls

Seamless and stable end-to-end connections, ensuring uninterrupted conversations

No need for third-party apps-simply enable Smart VoLTE and use HONOR’s default Phone app

To maximize this feature, ViLTE calls are supported only between two Smart users, with at least one being a Smart Postpaid subscriber. The device must also be updated to version 9.0.0.165.

Tourism Malaysia is participating in the 3rd annual Travel Sale Expo (TSE) 2025 organized by the Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA) in collaboration with Oneklik Event Management The expo is being held at the Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City from September 26 until September 28, 2025. The event aims to highlight unique travel destinations ranging from urban areas to rural landscapes while promoting immersive travel experiences and cultural exchanges. This aligns with this year’s theme, ‘Your Gateway to the World.’ emphasizes Malaysia’s role as an accessible and diverse travel destination for international travelers.

One of the standout features of this year’s expo is the Malaysia Pavilion, designed to resemble a Traditional Malay House. The pavilion provides visitors with a glimpse into Malaysia’s cultural richness, offering interactive exhibits, authentic Malaysian cuisine, and a chance to engage with representatives from various sectors of the Malaysian tourism industry.

Joining Tourism Malaysia in the pavilion are key industry players including Malaysia Airlines, KL Hop-On Hop-Off, Berjaya Hotel Makati and affiliated travel agency MAVP Travel and Tours, which promotes easy exploration of Kuala Lumpur’s top tourist spots. The booth features a range of Malaysian experiences, from culinary delights to cultural performances brought from Malaysia. Visitors can also participate in exclusive prize draws, try-on traditional costume generously supported by partners such as HOHO, Touche Production, Berjaya Hotel Makati and Solaire Resort North. This year, Malaysia is aiming to attract 43 million foreign visitors, with a target of 47 million for the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026. From January to July of this year, there were 349,012 Filipinos visited Malaysia, reflecting an 8.7% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

The Travel Sale Expo 2025 is a great platform to help increase the number of Filipino travelers visiting Malaysia. This initiative not only seeks to attract more visitors to the country but also aims to foster strong connections and meaningful partnerships among various organizations, clients, and travelers.

Explore Malaysia at the Travel Sale Expo 2025 at SM Megamall and discover your next getaway.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Tuesday it has submitted additional evidence to the Department of Justice (DOJ) as part of the long-running probe into the disappearance of individuals linked to online cockfighting operations.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group turned over five flash drives and new witness affidavits to prosecutors handling complaints of murder and kidnapping with serious illegal detention.

The complaints were filed by the missing individuals’ relatives against businessman Charlie ‘Atong’ Ang, actress Gretchen Barretto, and several others.

‘The submission of these files is part of our continuing effort to build a strong and credible case,’ Nartatez said in a statement.

He added that the PNP cannot disclose details due to the sensitivity of the case.

‘We believe they will help establish accountability and aid in the identification of those responsible,’ Nartatez added.

At least 34 men linked to online cockfighting, or e-sabong, went missing in separate incidents between 2021 and 2022. This prompted investigation on their disappearance.

Nartatez assured the victims’ families that the PNP remains committed to resolving the case.

‘We recognize their long and painful wait for answers, and we continue to exert all efforts to bring closure,’ he said, adding that the police are working closely with the DOJ to pursue all leads.

‘The PNP operates on the principle that no one is above the law,’ he added.

‘We will not allow power or connections to interfere with the investigation or the pursuit of justice.’

No minors remain in the custody of the Manila Police District (MPD) following the Sept. 21 anti-corruption rally in Mendiola, authorities said on Tuesday, Sept. 30.

MPD spokesperson Major Philipp Ines confirmed this in a Viber message with Inquirer.

‘We don’t have any more minors in custody since Sept. 24,’ said Ines.

‘What we have (detainees) are those of legal age who have not yet posted bail,’ he added.

Ines said he was still waiting for an update on the number of remaining detainees so far.

In a separate statement, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) reported that 91 minors were initially processed by the Women and Children Protection Center of the Philippine National Police and the Department of Social Welfare and Development before being transferred to the Manila Social Welfare Office.

Of these, 68 were later released to their parents, while others were either sent to their respective local government units or remained in a youth facility awaiting pickup.

While acknowledging the Manila government’s efforts to uphold children’s rights by focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment, the CHR stressed the right to peaceful assembly.

‘CHR stands in solidarity with the Filipino people in condemning corruption, which deprives communities of essential services and violates fundamental rights,’ it said.

‘However, while protest is a legitimate exercise of democratic freedom, acts of violence and destruction of property cannot be condoned as they endanger public safety and harm communities,’ the commission said.

The Sept. 21 anti-corruption protest saw mass demonstrations of different groups across the country, with the largest rallies held in Metro Manila denouncing corruption surrounding billion pesos worth of flood control projects.

While demonstrations at the two major sites in Luneta and Edsa remained peaceful, violence broke out in Manila, particularly in Ayala Bridge, Recto, and Mendiola. Over 200 individuals, including minors, were detained.

In a statement released on Sept. 29, the MPD denied allegations of keeping detainees in appalling conditions.

‘Manila – PBGEN ARNOLD E ABAD, Acting District Director, Manila Police District, assures the public that the individuals, including minors and a person with disability (PWD) who were taken into custody were given proper care, disposition and intervention,’ according to the official statement.

MPD said it provided detainees a ‘spacious and air-conditioned room, nutritious food, decent clothing, other basic necessities, and 24-hour security to ensure their safety and welfare.’

It added that no torture, physical abuse or any sort of maltreatment was inflicted upon the arrested individuals in police custody. /cb

The Senate on Tuesday blasted the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for undertaking road projects before settling right-of-way (ROW) issues, which could waste billions of pesos in taxpayers’ money.

Sen. Erwin Tulfo, during the organizational meeting of the DPWH and other government agencies, also said that right-of-way issues are the usual cause for the delay in carrying on the country’s infrastructure projects.

‘Why do we start projects even if the ROW issues have not yet been resolved. when there are properties that may be affected by the project because of ROW issues? These issues should have already been addressed since we have the funds to settle this. But how come this is becoming the reason for projects to stop because of the fact that there are complainants? Shouldn’t we talk to the affected people or pay whoever the owners of these properties first?’ asked Tulfo.

DPWH Assistant Secretary Constante Llanes Jr. explained that among the implementation challenges in addressing ROW issues include the delays arising from limited ROW budget allocation, opposition from affected lot owners, and absentee and corporate land-ownership issues.

He said there were also deficiencies in claimant documentation, pending permits, expropriation proceedings, utility line obstructions and the resettlement of informal settlers.

Llanes said he strongly agrees with Tulfo that the ROW issues should be addressed first to prevent delays in infrastructure projects.

‘We strongly agree with what you mentioned, Mr. Chair, particularly for foreign-assisted projects, that is actually the principle. In fact, these are the requirements of the foreign funding institutions, Mr. Chair, that you have to come up with a resettlement action plan,’ he said.

‘For example, you have to compute everything and identify the payables before you proceed with the project and that’s a requirement, a matter of requirement. So all of this has to be taken care of and cleared first. But if we lack enough funds to pay these affected people, the properties, even the structures.that could be a reason for delay,’ he explained. /das