TACLOBAN CITY — The rollout of a digital skills passport by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has gained support from House Committee on Higher and Technical Education Chair Rep. Jude Acidre, who said the initiative could help address persistent job-skills mismatch and underemployment among Filipino workers.

Acidre, co-chair of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), described the TESDA skills passport as a timely reform aligned with the commission’s final report, “Turning Point: A Decade of Necessary Reforms,” which called for urgent improvements in the country’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system.

The online platform allows learners and workers to securely store their training records, national certificates, and competencies in digital form. It also links users to scholarship opportunities, job matching services, and further training programs.

“As the nature of work continues to change, our skills systems must move faster and become more responsive,” Acidre said, noting that digital tools can help ensure workers’ qualifications are visible, portable, and recognized by employers.

Data from EDCOM II showed that employment rates among TVET graduates increased to 58 percent from 37 percent before training, one year after completion—highlighting TVET’s potential as a pathway to employment. However, the report also flagged weak alignment between scholarships, certifications, and actual labor market requirements, which may leave some graduates underemployed.

Acidre said the skills passport responds to the commission’s call for a learner-centered and industry-aligned TVET system, but stressed that reforms must go beyond expanding training slots.

“The challenge now is not simply expanding training, but ensuring that every credential earned leads to real employment,” he said.

He also underscored the need to strengthen implementation of measures such as the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act, which promotes industry-led training, apprenticeships, and upskilling.

Acidre maintained that TVET should be positioned as a credible route to decent work rather than a fallback option to higher education.

“With the right tools and policies in place, we can ensure that Filipino learners are equipped for the future of work,” he said.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

NAVAL, Biliran – In its desire to increase the sales of agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations’ (ARBOs) products, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Biliran Provincial Office launched on Monday the “ARBOs Shelf.”

“ARBOs Shelf” is literally a shelf where products produced by the different ARBOs across the province are displayed for sale.

Maryvic Cempron, chief of the Program Beneficiaries Development Division (PBDD) at DAR Biliran, disclosed that Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (PARPO II) Thelma Alba provided a corner near the office’s entrance for this purpose, to be visible for everyone, particularly visitors. A first in Eastern Visayas.

“This is one way of helping our ARBOs promote and market their products,” said Cempron. “Anyhow, it was we, in cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), who helped them develop those products for their livelihood,” she added.

Initially, products that are currently available in the “shelf” are: coco vinegar produced by Villaconsuelo Tree Planters Agriculture Cooperative, ‘sapin-sapin’ (Imelda Agrarian Reform Cooperative), banana chips (Lico Agrarian Reform Cooperative), romblon bags (Looc Cabucgayan Agrarian Reform Cooperative), ‘atsara’, plain and spiced vinegar (Balaquid Agrarian Reform Cooperative), and other products within the agrarian reform community (ARC) areas.

During the opening day alone, the “shelf” was able to register P5,495 in sales from employees and clients.

Last year, ARBO products in said province were able to generate P2,758,458.40 through orders, trade fairs and by linking them to institutional buyers.

This year, Cempron stressed that DAR Biliran is looking forward to hit the P3-million mark by December. To achieve this, DAR-Biliran will soon be going online in marketing ARBO products.

Cempron’s division find ways to identify the necessary support services that would help agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) improve their quality of life through increased production and higher income. Every ARB is encouraged to join ARBO where various government assistance are being poured.

(JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Armed with a strong agricultural advocacy and the support of fellow Leyteños, Miss Universe Philippines–Leyte Kareyl May Cabahug is stepping onto the national stage for the 2026 pageant.

Cabahug, a Biotechnology graduate of Visayas State University and a native of Javier, Leyte, will represent the province in the Miss Universe Philippines competition. She is championing smart and sustainable modern farming through biotechnology, highlighting Leyte’s agricultural roots.

“As a province rooted in agriculture, it is important that we embrace smart and sustainable methods that can uplift our farmers and protect our resources,” she said.
The upcoming competition marks her first national pageant stint. While admitting she feels both nervous and excited, Cabahug said she draws strength from the overwhelming support of her kababayans.

She is currently focusing on personality development, particularly the question-and-answer portion, as she prepares to compete against seasoned candidates. Despite the pressure of representing a province known for producing national and international beauty queens, Cabahug said she is determined to carry Leyte’s pride with confidence.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)