TBC News

Millions of Filipinos can now access industry-leading cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) training entirely free of charge.

Through a Strategic Training Agreement (STA) signed on September 29, 2026, at the TESDA Complex in Taguig City, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is integrating globally recognized digital courses from Amazon Web Services (AWS) directly into the TESDA Online Program (TOP).

The initiative aims to lower the barrier to entry for high-demand technology skills, helping local jobseekers and workers prepare for a rapidly shifting digital economy.

The agreement was formally executed by TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez and AWS Philippines Country Manager Precious Lim.

TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez emphasized that the partnership aligns with ongoing efforts to modernize technical education and ensure the local workforce remains globally competitive.

“Skills development is ultimately about creating opportunities for people. Through this collaboration with AWS, we are giving Filipinos access to world-class cloud and AI training that they can use to build careers, pursue new opportunities, and contribute to the growth of our digital economy. Gusto nating masigurado na walang Pilipinong maiiwanan habang nagbabago ang mundo ng trabaho,” said Sec. Kiko Benitez.

The courses will be hosted on TESDA’s existing learning management system, granting any Filipino with access to the TOP platform immediate, cost-free entry. There are no technical prerequisites required to enroll.

Initial course offerings and certification opportunities

The integration will launch with three flagship training programs designed for foundational and applied learning:

• Fundamentals of AI: An entry-level course introducing machine learning concepts and practical AI applications, requiring no prior technical background.
• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner: A foundational course covering core AWS services, cloud security, architecture, and pricing structures, serving as a pathway toward official industry certification.
• AWS Certified AI Practitioner: A practical course covering applied artificial intelligence, generative AI, responsible AI implementation, and real-world problem-solving using AWS services.

In addition to digital coursework, learners enrolled in certification-track programs can access structured learning pathways through AWS Academy at the TESDA Women’s Center, subject to availability. Eligible participants may also qualify to claim AWS certification vouchers to sit for official accreditation exams, subject to the policies and terms set by TESDA and AWS.

AWS Philippines Country Manager Precious Lim noted that removing financial barriers to technical education is essential for driving wide-scale economic development.

“Cloud and AI skills should be for everyone. Through this partnership with TESDA, we’re making world-class training available to every Filipino, whether they’re starting their career or embarking on a new one. When you remove the barriers of cost and access, you give an entire generation the tools to build a better future for themselves and their communities,” said Precious Lim, Country Manager of AWS Philippines.

Expanding long-term digital infrastructure

This formal agreement builds upon an established relationship between the two entities. AWS previously assisted TESDA with cloud deployment during the COVID-19 pandemic to help the TOP platform scale up during periods of high demand for remote learning.

Looking forward, TESDA intends to expand its TOP library with advanced AWS coursework spanning cloud architecture, cybersecurity, and database management. The agency also plans to deepen its technical integration across its national network of technology institutes and provincial training centers through regional events and industry-aligned learning tracks.

The initiative supports the broader directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to equip the Filipino workforce with globally competitive technical capabilities.

“At TESDA, we believe that skills transform lives. Ang cloud at AI ay hindi lang para sa mga nasa tech industry — ito ay para sa lahat ng Pilipino na gustong magkaroon ng mas magandang kinabukasan. This collaboration with AWS ensures that learning goes beyond the classroom and translates into real career opportunities, sustainable livelihoods, and a stronger, more competitive Filipino workforce,” added Sec. Benitez.