Kiko Benitez/Facebook 

MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Negros Occidental Rep. Jose Francisco “Kiko” Bantug Benitez as the new Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Palace said Friday. 

Benitez will replace Suharto Mangudadatu who recently resigned as TESDA chief. 

“Benitez, who has a doctorate in Philosophy, is known for championing legislation that promotes new development paradigms balancing social equity, economic growth, and ecological sustainability,” the Presidential Communications Office said. 

“His advocacy for digital transformation, education reform, and technological innovation will be crucial in steering TESDA’s programs to meet the demands of the evolving job market and the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” it added.  

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Benitez served as representative of the third congressional district of Negros Occidental and led the Committee on Housing and Urban Development in the House of Representatives. 

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'FULL CIRCLE MOMENT'

Benitez said his appointment was a "full circle moment", given that his grand-aunt, Sen. Helena Benitez had authored the law that established the National Manpower and Youth Council, the progenitor of TESDA. 

"The job market and our skills needs have immensely evolved since 1969. We face many challenges in catching up with digital transformation, for example, and adapting our workforce to the digital economy," the incoming TESDA chief said.

Benitez said he would "build on [Mangudadatu's] accomplishments as we aim to leverage innovation to upskill our youth and workforce to enhance their competitiveness in a changing world." 

He told his constituents from Negros Occidental's third district: "I may be moving to another role but indi kamo namon bayaan. I will remain always to be at your service."