Kiko Benitez is new TESDA chief

MANILA, Philippines — Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez (Third District, Negros Occidental) has been selected as the new director-general of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) following the resignation of Suharto Mangudadatu.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s appointment was announced in a Presidential Communications Office (PCO) release on Friday. Benitez's "extensive academic background and commitment to sustainable development" makes him suited for the role, according to the PCO.

The lawmaker, who is also a commissioner of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), "brings with him a wealth of experience in education, development, and public service," the PCO added.

"The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is confident in Benitez's ability to lead TESDA toward achieving its goals of enhancing the technical skills of the Filipino workforce, promoting lifelong learning opportunities, and driving economic growth through education and skills development," the PCO release stated.

Benitez earned his master's and doctorate degrees in comparative literature (minor in Southeast Asian studies) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his bachelor's degree in comparative literature (summa cum laude) and English (cum laude) from Cornell University.

Private sector-led Philippine Business for Education last month endorsed Benitez for the role, saying his "former university president and champion of education" will allow him to bring a "unique blend of academic, managerial, and public policy expertise" as TESDA's head.

Benitez now joins Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara as another fellow former lawmaker and EDCOM 2 commissioner in the president's Cabinet.