Secretary Manalo Signs Agreement with Colombo Plan Staff College to Enhance Technical Education in the Asia-Pacific

Secretary Enrique A. Manalo signs the Memorandum of Agreement on behalf of the Philippines, while Dr. Suresh Kumar Dhameja, Director General of the Colombo Plan Staff College for Technician Education, signs on behalf of CPSC. Witnessing the signing are Assistant Secretary Maria Teresa Almojuela of the DFA Office of United Nations and International Organizations (UNIO) and Mr. El Cid Castillo, Executive Director of the Qualifications and Standards Office, TESDA. (Photo Credit: DFA-OPD James Ryan Artiaga)

MANILA 15 November 2024 – Secretary Enrique A. Manalo of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) signed a renewed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) for Technician Education Director General Dr. Suresh Kumar Dhameja, reinforcing the Philippines' commitment to advancing technical vocational education and training (TVET) across the Asia-Pacific.

The updated MOA strengthens collaboration by addressing critical operational needs, including a new provision for VAT exemption, aligning the Philippines' support for CPSC with international standards for hosting intergovernmental organizations. This exemption alleviates financial burdens associated with VAT on utilities and services, allowing CPSC to focus fully on its mission to advance TVET in the region.

“The inclusion of the VAT exemption in our new agreement is a significant advancement,” Secretary Manalo stated. “This allows CPSC to continue its valuable work without the strain of additional taxes, aligning its benefits with those of other international organizations in the Philippines.”

Secretary Manalo emphasized the agreement’s role in empowering the Filipino workforce and supporting regional development: “As we renew our commitment to the Colombo Plan Staff College, we are not just hosting an institution but nurturing a partnership that empowers the Filipino workforce to thrive in a changing world.”

Director General Dhameja expressed gratitude for the partnership, underscoring the connection between CPSC and its host country: “For us at the Colombo Plan Staff College, the Philippines is not only our host but our steadfast partner, a ‘home away from home’ that fosters learning and innovation across the Asia-Pacific region.”

The MOA also supports CPSC’s Strategic Plan 2023-2028, focusing on developing skills for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, promoting renewable energy training, and fostering lifelong learning—initiatives essential for sustainable socio-economic growth. The Philippines has supported CPSC since 1987, hosting its programs, sharing expertise, and promoting regional collaboration in technical education.

The MOA signing underscores the Philippines' commitment to cultivating a skilled, adaptable workforce, promoting inclusive growth throughout the region. END

Secretary Enrique A. Manalo, on behalf of the Philippines, and Dr. Suresh Kumar Dhameja, on behalf of the Colombo Plan Staff College for Technician Education, exchange copies of the Memorandum of Agreement. Witnessing the exchange are Assistant Secretary Maria Teresa Almojuela of the DFA Office of United Nations and International Organizations (UNIO) and Mr. El Cid Castillo, Executive Director of the Qualifications and Standards Office, TESDA. (Photo Credit: DFA-OPD James Ryan Artiaga)

Secretary Enrique A. Manalo, on behalf of the Philippines, and Dr. Suresh Kumar Dhameja, on behalf of the Colombo Plan Staff College, are joined at the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on technical and vocational education by (from left to right) Officer-in-Charge Paulo Saret, DFA Office of Treaties and Legal Affairs (OTLA) Deputy Assistant Secretary Raphael Hermoso, DFA Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs (ASPAC); Director General Francisco Noel R. Fernandez, Foreign Service Institute (FSI); Assistant Secretary Edgar Badajos, DFA Office of the Undersecretary for Administration; Assistant Secretary Ariel Rodelas Peñaranda, DFA Office of Protocol (DFA-OP); Assistant Secretary Maria Teresa T. Almojuela, DFA Office of United Nations and International Organizations (UNIO); Executive Director El Cid Castillo, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA); Commissioner Olivia 'Bong' Coo, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC); Ms. Gemma Reyes, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA); Atty. Jose Alberto G. Ramos, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR); and Director John Simon, Bureau of Customs (BOC). (Photo Credit: DFA-OPD James Ryan Artiaga)