President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has appointed Negros Occidental Representative Jose Francisco “Kiko” Bantug Benitez as the new director general of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), following the resignation of Suharto Mangudadatu.
The Presidential Communications Office announced the appointment on Friday, expressing the administration’s confidence in Benitez’s ability to steer TESDA toward its objectives of enhancing the technical skills of the Filipino workforce and promoting lifelong learning opportunities.
The Office of the President also expressed gratitude to Mangudadatu for his dedication and contributions to TESDA during his tenure.
In July, Mangudadatu revealed his plans to run in the upcoming local elections, stating that his experience and knowledge in governance could be better utilized in the electoral process. “I believe that my experience and expertise in governance, coupled with my understanding of the region’s needs, will be best utilized by actively participating in the electoral process,” he said.
He also expressed his gratitude to President Marcos for the trust placed in him to lead TESDA.
Benitez is expected to take on his new role immediately and will present his strategic priorities for the agency in the weeks to come.