• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin announced on Tuesday (June 3) that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has rejected the courtesy resignation of Jose Francisco Benitez as the director general of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Benitez, former congressman of the Negros Occidental third district, was among the Cabinet secretaries who tendered their courtesy resignations after Marcos said he wanted to “recalibrate” his administration, following the 2025 national and local elections.
National private school organizations earlier urged the President to retain Education Secretary Sonny Angara and Benitez, emphasizing the need for continuity in the ongoing education reforms.
The Chief Executive also did not accept the courtesy resignation of Angara.
In a statement, the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC) highlighted Angara’s role in strengthening public-private partnerships in education.
“His tenure has already brought key policy shifts, including the review and expansion of education subsidies with a renewed focus on equity and access,” the group said.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities pointed to both Angara’s and Benitez’s legislative and education policy experience, noting their prior service as commissioners of the Second Congressional Commission on Education.
Benitez was similarly praised for modernizing the technical-vocational education and training (TVET) system.
The PEAC also recognized Benitez’ strategic focus on access, industry relevance, and lifelong learning while the Unified TVET of the Philippines Inc. called him a visionary leader committed to workforce development. | GB
