Liga Ng Mga Barangay, TESDA Strengthen Partnership for Barangay and SK Capacity Building

MANILA, Philippines — The Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas, led by National President Maria Katrina Jessica Dy, met with Jose Francisco "Kiko" Benitez, Secretary of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, to discuss the expansion of skills development and livelihood programs for barangays nationwide.

Also present were President Ram V. Ortega, Vice President for Luzon and Provincial President for La Union; President Amalia M. Debuque, LNB President for Iloilo Province and Regional President for Region VI; and President Roderick J. Sablan, LNB President for Negros Occidental and Regional President for the Negros Island Region.

During the meeting, both parties agreed to strengthen collaboration to equip barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials with essential competencies in local governance, program planning and implementation, and community engagement. The initiative seeks to enhance the capacity of grassroots leaders by providing practical, job-relevant training aligned with current community needs.

The partnership will also expand access to livelihood training programs for barangay residents, covering technical, digital, and service-oriented skills that can lead to employment, entrepreneurship, and income generation opportunities.

Officials emphasized that bringing TESDA programs directly to the barangay level ensures greater accessibility, particularly for communities with limited access to formal training institutions. By empowering both local leaders and residents, the initiative supports more responsive governance and sustainable community development.