Unilab Foundation Joins National Industry TVET Board for Manufacturing Sector

All-hands for a better manufacturing industry. ULF Executive Director Atty. Jose Maria Ochave and Dr. Dan Lachica, President of the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines (SEIPI) inked the agreement during the ceremonial signing at the Unilab Corporate Center. Joining them are Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Deputy Director General for TVET Partnerships and Linkages Nelly Nita Dillera; and ULF Operations Director Eduardo Policarpio Jr.

The Unilab Foundation (ULF) formally joined the National Industry TVET Board for the Manufacturing Sector through a deed of accession signing. This membership integrates ULF into a collaborative body focused on improving Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs for the country’s manufacturing industry.

The signing ceremony was attended by ULF Executive Director Atty. Jose Maria Ochave, Dr. Dan Lachica, President of the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines (SEIPI), witnessed by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Deputy Director General for TVET Partnerships and Linkages Nelly Nita Dillera; and ULF Operations Director Eduardo Policarpio Jr.

With STEM education and workforce development as core pillars of its mission, ULF commits to support the TVET board initiatives that enhance industry-aligned training through its Manufacturing Development Network (MDev)—a consortium of manufacturing industries, academe, and civic organizations joined together to advance the sector. This participation supports the first Philippine Skills Framework (PSF), which was launched in August 2025 with SEIPI as convener. The PSF originated under the Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Development program previously led by ULF; following the conclusion of the USAID-funded program, SEIPI assumed the role of continuing the initiative to ensure the sustained growth of the semiconductor and electronics industries.

According to TESDA, the PSF provides a comprehensive reference for job roles and skill requirements, aligning local workforce strategies with global industry standards. The framework aims to equip Filipino workers with the specific competencies required by the semiconductor sector, a primary driver of national exports.

DDG Hon. Nelly Nita Dillera represents TESDA in witnessing the signing of the Deed of Accession.

"The Philippine Skills Framework is a commitment to develop Filipino talent and support the industry. SEIPI supports these initiatives because progress relies on collaboration. We cannot meet these objectives alone; partnerships are necessary to develop the workforce," said SEIPI President Dr. Dan Lachica.

Dr. Dan Lachica, who also served as the former Chief of Party of Unilab Foundation and the USAID-funded Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Development Alliance (AMDev) program, is in full support of ULF joining the National Industry TVET Board for the Manufacturing Sector.

TESDA Deputy Director General Nelly Nita Dillera emphasized the importance of private sector involvement. "Our partnership with ULF and the manufacturing board ensures that TVET programs are not just theoretical, but directly responsive to the actual needs of our industries, creating a more employable and competitive workforce," Dillera said.

Atty. Jose Maria Ochave of the Unilab Foundation noted the foundation’s continued dedication to workforce development. "By joining the TVET Board, we are formalizing our commitment to institutionalize the skills standards we have helped develop. We aim to ensure that the transition from education to employment is seamless for every Filipino worker in the manufacturing space," Ochave stated.