USTP Villanueva, TESDA partner to produce industry-ready electro-mechanical technologists in Mindanao
By Crystal Dale B. Bermejo, STRATCOMM Coordinator, USTP Villanueva
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The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental (USTP Villanueva), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), through its Regional Training Center–Tagoloan (RTC-Tagoloan), solidified a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on January 26, 2026, at the USTP Cagayan de Oro Boardroom. The partnership aims to advance the integration of technical and higher education in Northern Mindanao.
The agreement establishes a seamless educational pathway for graduates of TESDA’s Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) Level 5 Diploma in Electro-Mechanical Technology (EMT), allowing them to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Electro-Mechanical Technology at USTP Villanueva with only one additional year of study.
Dr. Ambrosio B. Cultura II, USTP System President, represented the university, while TESDA Region X was represented by Director Rafael Y. Abrogar II, Regional Director. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Prof. Colbert G. Rabaya, Campus Director of USTP Villanueva; Director Marigold Cherie R. Garrido of TESDA Misamis Oriental; and Mr. Mario S. Labisig, Center Administrator of RTC-Tagoloan.
Also present during the signing were Engr. Jenayn S. Hong, MOE, EEN, RME, Program Head of Electro-Mechanical Technology, along with faculty members from USTP Villanueva and TESDA RTC-Tagoloan, underscoring the collaborative spirit of the initiative.
Under the MOA, graduates of the three-year diploma program from TESDA RTC-Tagoloan will be eligible for admission and credit transfer into USTP’s BS EMT program, subject to compliance with university admission requirements. The partnership is aligned with Republic Act No. 10647 (Ladderized Education Act) and Republic Act No. 10968 (Philippine Qualifications Framework Act), promoting lifelong learning and career progression.
In his message, Director Abrogar emphasized, “This partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to empowering Filipino youth through accessible and quality education. We are bridging the gap between technical-vocational training and higher education to enhance employability and nation-building.”
Dr. Cultura echoed this sentiment, stating, “USTP is proud to collaborate with TESDA in creating more opportunities for our technical graduates. This ladderized program not only accelerates degree completion but also ensures that our students are industry-ready and globally competitive.”
The MOA will remain in effect for five (5) years and includes provisions for joint monitoring, curriculum alignment, faculty development, and student support systems.
Prospective students and interested parties may contact TESDA RTC-Tagoloan or the USTP Villanueva Campus for more information on enrollment and program details.
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