President Rodrigo Roa Duterte graced the 23rd anniversary celebration of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on Wednesday, August 30, urging the agency to keep on empowering Filipinos who are seeking to advance their careers.
During his speech before TESDA officials and employees in Taguig City, the President extended his greetings and commended TESDA Director General Guiling Mamondiong for “doing a great job.”
“Fulfilling its mandate as the lead agency to promote and advance the technical and vocational education of the Filipino workforce, TESDA has been responsible for producing the necessary manpower with the right competences,” President Duterte said in his speech at the TESDA Complex in Taguig City.
“The success of your programs and services is best reflected in the lives of thousands of Filipinos that you have helped transform,” he added.
The Chief Executive called on the agency to continue empowering Filipinos, particularly the unemployed, out-of-school youths, persons with disabilities, returning OFWs, the poor, and the marginalized in their quest for career achievement.
For his part, the President assured TESDA officials that he would look for ways to augment the agency’s budget.
President Duterte also reiterated his dedication to go after the “elite” who benefit from corrupt practices in the government.
“Sabi ko, ‘I will go after the elite in this country because they are the ones really who’s benefiting from all of these things,’” Duterte said.
“Malakas ‘yan silang mag-atake, they have the media outlets and all. But sila talaga ‘yung nakikinabang sa corruption ng gobyerno. Ayaw magbayad ng taxes na tama. Ayaw magbayad ng utang,” he added.
During his speech, the President also underscored the duty of the government leaders to give Filipinos a more comfortable and prosperous life.
“Ako, when I was campaigning for the presidency, I’ve always said that ang gusto ko lang sa Pilipino, hindi naman ‘yung mayaman. I just want them a comfortable life,” he said.
He likewise called on leaders not to falter in their resolve to give every Filipino a happy and comfortable life. (PND)
