MANILA – Negros Occidental 3rd District’s Cong. Jose Francisco “Kiko” Bantug Benitez has been appointed as new Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has chosen Benitez to replace resigned TESDA chief Suharto Mangudadatu.
The district of Benitez, who chaired the House of Representatives’ Committee on Housing and Urban Development, will likely be taken over by House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand “Martin” Romualdez.
“Benitez, who has a doctorate in Philosophy, is known for championing legislation that promotes new development paradigms balancing social equity, economic growth, and ecological sustainability,” the PCO said.
“His advocacy for digital transformation, education reform, and technological innovation will be crucial in steering TESDA’s programs to meet the demands of the evolving job market and the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” it added.
The PCO added that Benitez “brings with him a wealth of experience in education, development, and public service,” which will be useful in his new government post.
“The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is confident is Benitez’s ability to lead TESDA towards achieving its goals of enhancing the technical skills of the Filipino workforce, promoting lifelong learning opportunities, and driving economic growth through education and skill development,” the PCO added.
Benitez earned his master’s and doctorate degrees in Comparative Literature (minor in Southeast Asian studies) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his bachelor’s degree in Comparative Literature (summa cum laude) and English (cum laude) from Cornell University.
Private sector-led Philippine Business for Education last month endorsed Benitez for the role, saying his “former university president and champion of education” will allow him to bring a “unique blend of academic, managerial, and public policy expertise” as TESDA’s head./PN
