QUEZON CITY, Philippines— Capability-building evidence has been obtained by Mrs. Gayle R. Mercado, Assessment Center Manager and accredited competency assessor in Front Office Services NC II, as she joined key technical-vocational education and training leaders and delegates for the 1^st National TVET Assessors Convention held at Seda Vertis North, Quezon City, on October 15, 2026.

The landmark gathering was spearheaded by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Grounded in the agency’s strategic framework and the Secretary’s 8-Point Agenda—with a particular focus on demand-driven and data-driven TVET, as well as strengthened industry engagement, the convention served as a premier professional development platform for accredited competency assessors.

               Carrying the overarching theme “Assess. Certify. Empower.: Strengthening the Role of TVET Assessors,” the program emphasized continuous professional competence, the sharing of best practices, and the elevation of the Philippine TVET Competency Assessment and Certification System (PTCACS).

               The convention featured comprehensive plenary and technical sessions delivered by prominent experts. The State of the Assessors Workforce: Who We Are, What We Need was presented by Engr. Venzel Y. Concoles, Chief TESD Specialist, Certification Office – Competency Assessment Division. ASEAN Mutual Recognition: What it Means for Philippine Certification was discussed by Maria Susan P. Dela Rama, the Regional Consultant for the Philippines on the ASEAN Guiding Principles (AGP) Phase 3 Project.When In Doubt, Do What is Right: Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in the Field was led by Dr. Heinz D. Pelayo, MSCA, Faculty at Far Eastern University Pampanga. Soft Skills for Assessors: Communication, Objectivity, and Candidate Rapport was facilitated by Donnabelle F. Solleta, Acting Administrator of the Regional Training Center – Iloilo. Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence in Practice were delivered by Maria Regina R. Amores, SMT, MBE, LPT, President of the Association of Accredited Assessors and Certified Trainers of PaMaMaRiSan (Pasig, Mandaluyong, Marikina, at San Juan).

               Keynote messages were delivered by distinguished government leaders, including Sec. Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez (Secretary/Director General, TESDA), highlighting the critical role assessors play in maintaining credibility, rigorous quality assurance, and integrity across technical-vocational standards.

               Participation in this national milestone underscores Saint Mary’s University’s unwavering dedication to institutional excellence, alignment with evolving national assessment frameworks, and the continuous enhancement of its assessment and certification services.