Bohol — The Provincial Technical Education and Skills Development Committee has endorsed the creation of the Bohol Polytechnic State Institute, a landmark initiative aimed at expanding technical-vocational education and training across the province. The decision was made during the 2nd Quarter PTESDC Meeting on June 11 at Carlos P. Garcia Hall.
Supervising Administrative Officer Metodio Maraguinot Jr. presided over the meeting. The committee approved the integration of existing Provincial Training Centers in Pilar, Jagna, Bilar, Tubigon, and Inabanga into a unified institution. The proposal will now be elevated to the TESDA Council for further action.
A Unified Institute for Greater Impact
Bringing the five training centers under one institution promises a more coordinated and efficient delivery of technical-vocational programs. The centers currently offer various specializations aligned with local and global skills standards. Integration is expected to streamline operations, enhance program quality, and attract more learners seeking industry-relevant skills.
The move aligns with Governor Aris Aumentado's push to expand access to education and livelihood opportunities. The Capitol's Strategic Change Agenda emphasizes social equity and human development. The proposed BPSI is a concrete step toward achieving these goals by providing Boholanos with stronger pathways to employment and entrepreneurship.
Strengthening Workforce Development
During the same meeting, the committee approved TESDA Bohol's 2026 Work Plan and the continued implementation of the Enterprise-Based Education and Training Program. The EBET program, established under the EBET Framework Act, partners with companies to deliver demand-driven, work-based technical-vocational training that blends on-the-job learning with classroom instruction.
The meeting also reinforced community-based training initiatives for priority sectors across the province. These programs are designed to meet the needs of local industries while equipping learners with future-ready skills. TESDA Bohol's work plan targets increased learner enrollment and stronger industry collaboration.
Building on Existing Investments
Bohol has been steadily investing in TVET infrastructure. In February 2026, Governor Aumentado signed a memorandum of agreement with TESDA for a P5 million Training and Competency Assessment Center for domestic work at the Pilar center. The Jagna center has been proposed as the site for a TESDA Regional TVET Innovation Center under the SIPTVETS project.
Earlier this year, the governor attended the graduation of language trainees who completed Korean and Japanese language courses, underscoring Bohol's commitment to preparing workers for global opportunities. In October 2025, ibex Bohol became the first accredited enterprise in Central Visayas under the EBET Framework Act, offering contact center services training with TESDA scholarships.
A Forward-Looking Province
The endorsement of the Bohol Polytechnic State Institute represents more than an administrative consolidation. It signals the province's determination to elevate the quality of technical education and respond to the evolving demands of the labor market. By unifying its training centers and strengthening industry partnerships, Bohol is positioning its workforce for sustained growth and competitiveness.
