In Photo (L-R): Mr. Patrick Castillo, TESDA PLO-R, Mr. Angelo Gabriel D. Mantuano, APECO Deputy Administrator, Dir. Floramel Joy Songsong, TESDA PLO Executive Director, and Ms. Ma. Bernadette Refuerzo, TESDA PLO-PNAD Chief.
(30 May 2025, Parañaque) — In a dynamic move to strengthen workforce development and attract international investment, the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) met with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to explore a strategic collaboration centered on specialized welding training. The initiative is designed to support a prospective Australian-based locator with interests in the food and beverage sector and defense-related welding applications.
Leading the dialogue for APECO was Deputy Administrator Mr. Angelo Gabriel G. Mantuano, who reaffirmed the ecozone’s commitment to partnering with national agencies to create meaningful training and employment pathways. Representing TESDA, Executive Director Dir. Floramel Joy Songsong expressed the agency’s strong enthusiasm for aligning technical education with the evolving needs of industries operating in Aurora.
A key focus of the discussion was the development of non-industrial welding programs tailored to niche markets, particularly those requiring precision welding for defense-related purposes. The Australian firm exploring opportunities in APECO has highlighted the need for a highly skilled workforce to meet its operational requirements in the region.
TESDA emphasized its ongoing efforts to expand micro-credentialing and Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) programs that address skills gaps in emerging and specialized fields. One area that generated particular excitement was underwater welding—a high-demand expertise in maritime and infrastructure development. TESDA proposed that APECO can play a key role in linking the agency with potential investors by facilitating skills profiling and stakeholder consultations.
In addition to training initiatives, the two agencies also reviewed the status of a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize the partnership. Both parties acknowledged pending revisions, particularly on intellectual property provisions, and reaffirmed their shared commitment to finalizing the agreement in the coming weeks.
This promising collaboration underscores APECO’s position as a forward-looking economic hub and reflects TESDA’s proactive approach to meeting industry demands through skills development. By joining forces, both organizations aim to attract more locators and empower the local workforce with specialized, industry-ready competencies.
As discussions continue to progress, TESDA is excited about the road ahead and optimistic that this partnership will lead to expanded training infrastructure and greater employment opportunities for the people of Aurora.
