BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — Junior high school (JHS) graduates can now enroll in the diploma program of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) as long as they have two years of industry experience.
The diploma programs of TESDA are three-year courses designed to provide students with specialized skills.
Romar Agpes, TESDA Baguio-Benguet information officer, said that starting this year, JHS graduates may enroll for the diploma programs if they meet the industry experience requirement.
“Industry experience, ibig sabihin, nag-immerse da, nag-work da piman,” Agpes said during the Usapang PIA on September 4, 2025.
He said that the entry requirements of some TESDA training programs have already included the junior high school completers.
Agpes also informed that senior high school graduates may also apply for the diploma program as long as they did not finish a four-year degree or bachelor’s degree course.
He said that through the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education, students who will enroll for diploma courses at the Cordillera State Institute of Technical Education and other TESDA-certified institutions will be provided with free training costs, insurance, book allowance, and other costs.
Agpes said the program is also competency-based.
“Ti goal tayo gamin ket ma-acquire tayo diyay necessary skill. In terms of the skill, competency-based gamin amin ti implementasyon tayo for the program. As long as competent ka but you have to prove dun sa trainer mo, together with your skill na competent ka, dapat diyay academic counterpart na, 75 percent [passing rate],” Agpes explained.
He added that every semester, students must pass the national assessment for all technical subjects embedded in the program.
The diploma programs offered by CSITE are culinary arts, hospitality supervision, electrical engineering technology, and civil engineering technology. Other technical-vocational education and training institutions are also offering diploma programs.
Interested applicants may visit CSITE at Military Cut-off, Baguio City or the nearest TESDA provincial offices in their area. **DEG-PIA CAR
