Prof. (Dr.) Suresh K. Dhameja, Director General of the Colombo Plan Staff College (3rd fr. left) meets with officials of Toyota Motors Philippines School of Technology led by Mr. Jose Maria Aligada (2nd fr. left) to discuss future collaborations and joint ventures in training and workforce development
In order to strengthen the alignment of our present and future programs to the evolving needs and demands of the industry, the Colombo Plan Staff College, headed by Director General Prof. (Dr.) Suresh K. Dhameja, together with the Executive Secretary Ms. Arlene Cruz, paid a high-level visit to the administrators of Toyota Motors Philippines School of Technology (TMP Tech) in Laguna on October 20, 2025. The delegation was warmly welcomed by TMPTech President, Mr. Jose Maria A. Aligada, Executive Officer, Mr. Rainnier M. Gregorio, Academic Department and Assessment Center Head, Mr. Romarico D. Onatoo, and Assistant Vice President and Operations Manager, Mr. Nelson O. Manglo.
During the visit, a detailed presentation about the capabilities of TMP Tech as a local training entity with a global perspective was showcased to the CPSC delegation. As a non-stock and non-profit educational educational institution, TMP Tech is geared towards transforming the Philippines into a human resource development hub so as to meet the needs of Global Toyota. The institution is specifically established for the training of after-sales technicians who will be deployed in service centers both here and abroad.
Mr. Gregorio warmly welcomed the CPSC delegation (left photo) and shows the TMPTech's diorama and its plan for future expansion in the locality of the southern Philippines and possibly in other neighboring towns in other provinces
Building on this engagement, the two organizations explored concrete strategies to deepen their partnership and strengthen the synergy between academia and industry. They identified several collaborative opportunities to enhance TVET delivery and ensure stronger industry alignment. These include joint capacity-building programs in automotive technology, knowledge-sharing initiatives through webinars and workshops, and collaborative research and tracer studies. The partnership will also open channels for TMPTech trainers and CPSC specialists to exchange expertise. To formalize this cooperation, both sides are already in talks to develop a Memorandum of Understanding.
This partnership marks another milestone in CPSC’s continuing efforts to bridge the gap between education and industry. By collaborating with organizations like TMP Tech, CPSC continues to drive TVET excellence through the delivery of relevant, industry-aligned training programs and the development of a workforce equipped to meet the demands of today’s global market.
