TESDA, Zambo City partner to implement free education

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is partnering with the local government in the implementation of Republic Act 10931 for the best interest of the youth sector.

RA10931, or the Unified Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, institutionalizes free tuition and exemption from other fees in state universities and colleges, local universities and colleges in the country.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar and Dr. Vincent Aljon Cifra, TESDA regional director, met Thursday and discussed measures, such as how the local government and TESDA can work together to implement the program in this city.

Salazar said Saturday Cifra informed her that the national government has allocated PHP445 million for the Zamboanga Peninsula with 10,700 slots to cover.

She said that a total of 3,750 slots have been approved so far, based on the record of the TESDA regional office through the implementation of RA 10931.

The law requires the involvement of state-run technical vocational institutions, State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs). (PNA)