TESDA boosts Skills Passport security with new identity verification

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has introduced a new electronic Know-Your-Customer (eKYC) feature in its TESDA Skills Passport, adding stronger identity verification measures to help protect jobseekers and learners using the digital platform.

The new eKYC feature allows users to verify their identity through several secure options. These include matching personal information with the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) combined with a liveness check, or using a National ID number or QR code. Users may also verify their identity using other government-issued IDs, such as a passport, driver's license, SSS ID, GSIS eCard, UMID, Postal ID, Voter's ID, or PhilHealth ID.

TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez said the enhanced verification process strengthens the platform as a trusted and secure repository of learners' skills, qualifications, certifications and training records.

"The TESDA Skills Passport empowers Filipinos to take charge of their skills development journey. It provides a digital identity that can help learners and workers showcase their competencies, access opportunities, and connect with employment and training services more efficiently," Benitez said.

TESDA rolled out the eKYC feature as the Skills Passport continues to gain users across the country. The platform has recorded 243,899 downloads—194,655 on Android and 49,244 on iOS—and 179,284 registered users.

Verified users can use the mobile app to access training opportunities, scholarships, job listings, learning pathways, and other TESDA services.

"Through the TESDA Skills Passport, we are making it easier for Filipinos to build their careers through tech-voc, connect with opportunities, and document their competencies. I encourage all learners, workers, and job seekers to download the app on their smartphones so they can readily upgrade their careers," Benitez added.

TESDA has also partnered with the Wadhwani Foundation to integrate My Career Advisor, an AI-powered career companion, into the Skills Passport. The tool provides personalized career guidance and recommends relevant training opportunities based on a user's skills, interests, and career goals.

TESDA said it is also working to integrate the Skills Passport with scholarship programs and other learner services as part of its broader digital transformation efforts, envisioning the platform as a seamless ecosystem linking training, assessment, certification, scholarships, and employment.

The TESDA Skills Passport can be downloaded on Android and iOS devices. —LDF, GMA News