The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) formally held its Ceremonial Signing of the Memoranda of Agreement/Understanding with key partners, including Wilcon Upskilling Center Incorporated (WUCI), in a gathering that brings together organizations from various sectors with shared commitments toward advancing technical education and workforce development across the country.
The ceremony took place on March 30, 2026, at the Tandang Sora Hall of the TESDA Women’s Center within the TESDA Complex in Taguig City. Among the organizations present during the signing were Meralco Power Academy, Canvela Organizational Management OPC, Philippine Tour Operators Association, Inc., Maritime Industry Authority, Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority, and Design Center of the Philippines.
The ceremonial signing aims to solidify partnerships across industries in support of skills training, livelihood opportunities, and technical-vocational education. It highlights a nationwide, collaborative approach to learning that prioritizes inclusivity, particularly for marginalized communities, while strengthening local employability and workforce readiness.
In her opening message, TESDA Deputy Director General for Partnerships and Linkages Ms. Nelly Dillera emphasized that the gathering goes beyond ceremony, describing it as a shared commitment to strengthen skill development, industry transformation, and workforce readiness. She underscored that the agreements signify concrete opportunities for learners, employers, and communities that rely on such partnerships to open doors to inclusive growth.
Meanwhile, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Wilcon Depot, Dr. William Belo, reflected on the origins of his company, which began not only as a means to provide for his family but also as a platform to give back to society. He shared that as Wilcon grew, it led to the establishment of the Wilcon Foundation, initially focused on providing educational assistance to deserving college students and later expanding to support high school and elementary learners.
”With our latest thrust to expand our reach to more underprivileged and disadvantaged members of our community, we established the Foundation’s technical training arm, under WUCI. WUCI is aimed to equip our disadvantaged community members with skills and training to give them better opportunities to succeed in life.” He added.
Reinforcing the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration, TESDA Director General, Sec. Jose Francisco Benitez stressed that the agency cannot achieve its goals alone, emphasizing the need for strong partnerships to ensure that services effectively reach communities that need them most. He further affirmed TESDA’s commitment to ensuring that such collaborations contribute not only to employability but also to the long-term transformation of the education system, sustaining both development and human capital growth across the country.
Aligned with this vision, Wilcon Upskilling Center Incorporated serves as a key partner in expanding access to technical training. Located along E. Rodriguez Highway in Rodriguez, Rizal, WUCI operates by screening applicants at no cost and providing scholars with hands-on training in its facilities. Since launching its first batch of trainees on February 20, the center has actively contributed to bridging skills gaps, particularly in the construction sector.
In an interview, Sec. Benitez noted that partnerships with institutions like WUCI are vital in professionalizing the workforce and promoting continuous upskilling, which is essential to the country’s built environment. He also highlighted the relevance of training programs that utilize Wilcon materials to help ensure the development of resilient housing, especially in a disaster-prone country like the Philippines.
Further expressing Wilcon’s commitment, AVP and Corporate Lawyer of Wilcon Depot Inc, Atty. Sheila Camerino shared that the ceremonial signing formalizes the company’s dedication to supporting and giving back to the communities it serves.
‘’For Wilcon, this aligns with our goal of becoming sustainable and developing highly skilled individuals relevant to our industry.’’ She added.
At the intersection of these shared advocacies lies a unified vision: with WUCI’s “We Train, You Gain!” philosophy, TESDA’s enduring commitment to accessible education, and Wilcon’s long-standing efforts in community development, producing graduates who are skilled, employable, and ready to contribute to nation-building becomes not only possible, but sustainable.
For more information about Wilcon, visit www.wilcon.com.ph or follow their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. You can also subscribe to and connect with them on Viber Community, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Or you may contact Wilcon Depot Hotline at 88-WILCON (88-945266) for inquiries.
