16/09/2026
DTTE advances rural transformation through reimagined TVET at Learning Innovation Summit 2026
The Department of Technology Teacher Education (DTTE) of the College of Education highlighted the role of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in rural transformation during the Learning Innovation Summit 2026, held on August 19–20 at Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT).
With the theme of addressing the learning crisis through innovative and context-responsive solutions, the summit brought together learners, educators, researchers, and other stakeholders from basic education, higher education, and TVET. It also provided a platform for sharing research, good practices, and strategic interventions responsive to the educational needs of Mindanao.
During the summit’s parallel sessions, DTTE led the TVET Area Session titled “Reimagining TVET for Rural Transformation: Aligning Curriculum, Competencies, and Community Needs.” The session featured three interconnected discussions on strengthening the responsiveness of TVET to labor market demands, educational pathways, and community needs.
Dr. Roque B. Requino, Chairperson of DTTE, opened the session with his presentation, “Labor Market Intelligence and Industry Needs: What Jobs Exist and What Skills Do They Require?” Drawing from industry interviews and labor market analyses, Requino discussed emerging workforce demands, competency gaps, certification requirements, and livelihood opportunities in Industrial Technology and Engineering, Home Economics and Hospitality Management, Information and Communications Technology and Drafting Technology, and Agriculture.
His presentation emphasized the importance of stronger industry–academe partnerships in addressing the challenges identified during the TVET Forum 2026 and ensuring that curricula remain responsive to evolving workforce needs.
The second presentation, “Elevating TVET Through Higher Education Integration: Building Pathways for Lifelong Learning and Workforce Excellence,” was delivered by Engr. Mahershallalhashbaz N. Silva, Senior TESD Specialist of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Silva discussed how TESDA and higher education institutions can collaborate to strengthen educational pathways, enhance workforce readiness, and promote lifelong learning. He also emphasized the importance of recognizing TVET as a credible and respected educational pathway that offers opportunities for continuing education, employment, and professional advancement.
Assoc. Prof. Vanessa B. Zabala of DTTE facilitated the final session, “Pedagogical Innovation and Contextualized Learning in TVET: Design Thinking in TVET.” She introduced Design Thinking as a learner-centered approach to creating learning experiences that are innovative, contextualized, industry-responsive, and grounded in community realities.
The presentation was followed by the workshop “Understanding and Experiencing Design Thinking,” where participants explored the stages of the Design Thinking process and developed action plans for integrating the approach into their classrooms and schools. The workshop concluded with reflections on how Design Thinking can help develop learners’ critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability.
The TVET Area Session highlighted a shared direction for the sector: TVET curricula must be informed by labor market realities, strengthened through collaboration between TESDA and higher education institutions, and transformed through innovative and contextualized pedagogy.
More than a venue for exchanging ideas, the Learning Innovation Summit 2026 served as a platform for building partnerships, translating evidence into action, and reimagining TVET as a catalyst for inclusive education, workforce development, and rural transformation in Mindanao.
