The Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC), in collaboration with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) successfully conducted an online In-Country Program on TVET for Industrial Revolution 4.0. Conducted via Zoom from November 29-December 3, 2021, it involved the participation of 21 TESD instructors from different parts of the country.

The training program was organized to equip the participants with the knowledge and strategies of leadership, instructional delivery, and observance of principles in the adjustment and adaptation of TVET Institutes as a response to the challenges of IR 4.0. At the end of the training program, the participants are expected to demonstrate a deep understanding and awareness of the need for modifications in TVET management and instructional delivery as a response to the requirements brought about by IR 4.0. They are also expected to define the dynamics of IR 4.0 and its impact on TVET, as well as identify the components of TVET to address the needs of IR 4.0. These skills will enable them to develop teaching aids for blended learning programs and access resources to build a solid platform for change.

The program is supervised by the CPSC Director General, Prof. G.L.D. Wickramasinghe and TESDA Director General, Sec. Isidro S. Lapeña. The coordination was led by CPSC Project-Based Faculty Consultant, Dr. Romulita C. Alto. Invited resource persons include the E-Learning Developer for UN Education Programme and former CPSC Faculty Specialist, Engr. Abdul Ghani Rajput and the Chief Administrative Officer at the Human Resource Management Division, Administrative Service (HRMD-AS) at the TESDA Central Office, Ms. Carmelita Corbito.

The opening ceremony was graced by Sec. Isidro Lapeña, the Director General of TESDA. He cited the timeliness of the program in tackling the workforce needs of the Philippines, particularly as it faces the challenges of an increasingly automated job market and the preference of employers to workers equipped with skills that adapt IR 4.0 requirements. His positive words were echoed by Prof. Wickramasinghe, Director General of CPSC. He reiterated the importance of IR 4.0 in facing the challenges of globalization and particularly in response to the difficulties posed by COVID-19.

During the five-day training, the participants were able listen to lectures about (1) Imagineering TVET for the Changing World, (2) Concepts of IR 4.0, Stages, elements and major trends impacting on TVET 4.0, (3) Challenge of Industry 4.0 to Teacher Training and to TVET Research as a Driver for innovation; (4) TVET Teacher Professional Competency Framework in the Industry 4.0 Era and lastly (5) Digital Technologies to Integrate IR 4.0 Skills in Teaching Competencies

Engr. Abdul Ghani Rajput of CPSC (left/top) and Sec. Isidro Lapena (right/bottom) during the closing ceremony

The closing ceremony was held on December 3, 2021. During his closing remarks, Engr. Abdul Ghani Rajput cited the hard work and dedication of the participants in bringing the change in conventional teaching and learning practices. Meanwhile, Sec. Lapeña, on behalf of TESDA congratulated the participants of the program and reflected on the lessons gained during the program in further strengthening the competencies of the Filipino worker in facing the challenges of today’s workforce. Finally, Prof. Wickramasinghe concluded the program by expressing his appreciation to all the participants and the organizers for the success of the training program. He also cited the importance of adapting to IR 4.0 in ensuring the relevancy of TVET in the coming years.

Feedback

Ms. Marivic Ramos, Senior TESD Specialist, NCR- Quezon City Lingkod Bayan Skills Development Center (QCLBSDC).
The training program met our expectations and is very relevant especially during the pandemic. By using ICT, we can increase the achievement of our students in their creativity and critical thinking. The lecture on digital technology by Engr. Ghani is very interactive. Despite the hindrances in our internet connection, the program was able to articulate the lessons and we appreciate the learning experience that we gained.
Ms. Gerrylyn Ped, Administrator, Provincial Training Center, Urdaneta, Pangasinan.
We thank CPSC and TESDA for this opportunity to participate in this program. We think that the time was utilized properly and the use of the LMS made us learn both in synchronous and asynchronous manners. I am thankful to the facilitators as well for being so kind and understanding. The program made us realize that we need to be ready for the modalities and realities of IR 4.0 which is very true to TESDA’s slogan “TESDA Abot Lahat '' or TESDA, we can achieve everything. Despite the challenges in attending the program, we have to embrace the reality of this type of learning and we have to embrace this. Despite our difference in experiences in e-learning, I am happy that we are able to achieve our common goal.
Mr. Jerry Bernardez, Instructor of Surigao del Norte College of Arts and Trades (SNCAT)
I would like to congratulate everyone, especially the facilitators for managing the program effectively and sharing key points. IR 4.0 emphasizes connectivity and innovation and its advancement is necessary for us to adapt to the changing world. This training is not just an avenue for more learning but to gain new experiences and bond with our co-participants despite the distance.