A stronger push for sustainable workforce development in the Philippines was sealed last week (July 9) as the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) renewed their partnership to promote green jobs and dual training programs aligned with global sustainability standards.
The ceremonial signing of the Amended Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between GPCCI and TESDA was the highlight of the Green Jobs Forum: “Sustainability at Work,” held at Fairmont Makati.
The event, co-hosted by the German Embassy Manila, gathered over 120 participants from government, business, and academia to explore how workforce development can power the country’s transition to a low-carbon, inclusive economy.
The renewed MOU aims to strengthen industry-driven training and co-certification programs that integrate green skills into technical-vocational education. It also reaffirms the commitment of both institutions to Germany’s hallmark dual training model—a work-based learning approach praised for preparing a future-ready labor force.
“Germany is the champion of dual training. This approach is particularly effective for practically inclined learners who prefer learning by doing rather than through theory and education alone,” said German Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke.
“Our climate talks today are a platform for dialogue, for learning and for forging partnerships. That’s why I’m proud that GPCCI and TESDA have come together today in this Green Jobs Forum, wishing to renew their partnership and bring it to another level,” he added.
Investors eye green workforce development
For investors focused on sustainability, the forum underscored how the Philippines is positioning itself to meet rising demand for green talent—particularly in sectors like renewable energy, sustainable transport, infrastructure, and circular economy.
“As the Philippines accelerates its transition to a low-carbon and inclusive economy, the need for a skilled, future-ready workforce has never been more pressing,” said GPCCI President Marie Antoniette Mariano.
“Green jobs lie at the heart of this transition, not simply as employment opportunities but as catalysts of innovation, resilience, and environmental stewardship,” she added.
In his keynote address, TESDA Deputy Director General for Special Concerns Felizardo R. Colambo said the country’s sustainability efforts must be supported by robust skills development.
“It demands a workforce equipped with green skills—skills that enable organizations to design, adapt, and implement solutions that are environmentally sound, socially responsible, and economically viable,” Colambo said.
Panel tackles opportunities and skills gaps
A high-level panel moderated by Dr. David Klebs, Economic Counsellor of the German Embassy Manila, brought together voices from the International Labour Organization (ILO), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), and GPCCI.
The panel explored the policy frameworks and emerging competencies needed to expand green employment in the Philippines, pointing to the importance of international standards and employer-led training programs to bridge workforce gaps.
Breakout sessions further zoomed into key sectors. These included:
- Sustainable Transport & Infrastructure, with insights from the Philippine Constructors Association on urban mobility and low-carbon development;
- Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency, where the Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance discussed clean energy workforce needs; and
- Waste Management & Circular Economy, led by the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability, which highlighted recycling as a green job driver.
The Green Jobs Forum is part of the German Embassy’s Climate Talk Series, a platform promoting climate action and sustainable growth in the Philippines.
