New Director General

Irene Isaac is new TESDA Director General

The new Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Irene M. Isaac, vowed to carry on the reforms started by her predecessor, Joel Villanueva, as she formally took the helm of the agency.

Isaac, an expert in technical vocational education and training (TVET), was sworn into office by Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz on November 6.  She will have a Cabinet rank.

TESDA is an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Isaac  was designated officer-in-charge of the agency last month with the resignation of Villanueva, who is running for senator under the administration slate.

“Our  experiences and the expertise of our officials and staff in TESDA has primed us for the challenges ahead,” Isaac said.

“We are ready for the bigger role,” she added.

Since 2012, Isaac has held the post of deputy director general, in charge of policies and planning.  She  is also the Quality Management and Performance Management Team chair of TESDA and heads the secretariat of the Philippine Qualifications Framework National Coordinating Committee.

She was also formerly TESDA regional director for National Capital Region, Bicol and Northern Mindanao.  She also held the post of executive director of the Qualifications and Standards Office and  the former Skills Standards and Certification Office.

“Secretary Isaac has earned the respect  of all TESDA officials and employees because of her expertise, integrity and commitment to TVET. We all welcome her appointment as our Director General,” Pilar de Leon, Chief of Services for Administration said.

Isaac’s more than 30 years in government service was dedicated to technical and non-formal education.  She championed competency-based education and training, recognition of prior learning and keeping the integrity and value of the certificates that are issued by TESDA.

She earned a degree in literature and journalism, attended specialization programs in TVET and management in the Philippines and overseas, was mentored by TVET experts and learned by applying sound work principles and research findings to every day work. END

Continuing her over 30 years  journey to promote and improve technical vocational education and training, Irene M. Isaac officially assumes the post of Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) as she takes her oath before Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz. Isaac replaces former Secretary Joel  Villanueva who resigned to run for senator.