Marcos appoints Rep. Kiko Benitez as new TESDA chief

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. has named Negros Occidental Representative Jose Francisco “Kiko” Bantug Benitez as the new director general of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

This was announced by the Presidential Communications Office on Friday, saying that the appointment came after the resignation of Suharto Mangudadatu.

The Marcos administration expressed confidence in Benitez’s ability to lead TESDA towards achieving its goals of enhancing the technical skills of the Filipino workforce as well as promoting lifelong learning opportunities.
 
The Office of the President also extended its gratitude to Mangudadatu for his dedicated service and contributions to TESDA during his tenure.

In July of this year, Mangudadatu said he would participate in the upcoming local elections as he remains committed to working with the Marcos administration in ensuring peace and stability in the Mindanao region.

''I believe that my experience and expertise in governance, coupled with my understanding of the region's needs, will be best utilized by actively participating in the electoral process,'' he said.

He also thanked the President for the trust and confidence given to him in leading the TESDA.

Benitez is expected to assume his new role immediately and will outline his strategic priorities for TESDA in the coming weeks. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA Integrated News