The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) launched its cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) courses on Friday to boost Filipinos’ digital skills and competency in the global labor market. “Skills development is ultimately about creating opportunities for people,” TESDA Director General Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez said in a news release. “We want to ensure that no Filipino is left behind as the world of work continues to change,” he added in Filipino. In partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS), the program will offer digital training courses through the TESDA Online Program (TOP) to equip students with in-demand skills for local and global industries. Flagship courses available on TOP include an introductory subject on machine learning concepts and AI applications, a foundational course on building cloud competency for AWS services, and basic topics on responsible AI usage and practical applications of AWS AI services. “Through this partnership with TESDA, we’re making world-class training available to every Filipino, whether they’re starting their career or embarking on a new one,” AWS Philippines Country Manager Precious Lim said in a news release. “When you remove the barriers of cost and access, you give an entire generation the tools to build a better future for themselves and their communities,” she added. The public can access training for the digital courses with no prerequisites and no additional fees. Completion of certification-track courses could help learners access AWS Academy’s structured learning pathways and potentially claim AWS certification vouchers for AWS Certification exams. Specific terms, eligibility requirements, and any applicable limits on certification vouchers are subject to the policies of the TESDA Online Program and AWS. “Cloud and AI are not just for those in the tech industry—they are for all Filipinos who want a better future,” Mr. Benitez said. “We are giving Filipinos access to world-class cloud and AI training that they can use to build careers, pursue new opportunities, and contribute to the growth of our digital economy,” he added. TESDA noted that it plans to offer more digital skills courses, such as cloud architecture, security, databases, and other technology domains, through its partnership with the US-based company. It also aims to expand its collaboration across technology institutions and provincial training centers nationwide. “This collaboration with AWS ensures that learning goes beyond the classroom and translates into real career opportunities, sustainable livelihoods, and a stronger, more competitive Filipino workforce,” Mr. Benitez said. In the 2026 Global Outsourcing AI Readiness Index, the Philippines ranked fifth among 25 major outsourcing destinations in AI readiness with a score of 69.05 out of 100. The country trailed India (84.55), Brazil (76.1), Malaysia (75.65), and Hungary (69.1). — Almira Louise S. Martinez