TESDA-NIR Visits Foundation University As Part of the Lakbay Aral Tour

Creative Department

On October 14, 2025, Foundation University welcomed a delegation from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). This is part of the Lakbay Aral Tour, an initiative to boost the Creative Sectors in the Negros Island Region (NIR). 

Key representatives from the regional and provincial TESDA offices were present on campus, including Ms. Niña Connie G. Dodd, Interim Regional Director of the TESDA Negros Island Region; Ar. Andrew M. Peñalosa, Creative Consultant at the Office of the Director General; and Mr. Joel M. Villagracia, Provincial Director of TESDA Negros Oriental. 

Their presence reflects a strong and continuing partnership between the university and the national agency in advancing technical and vocational education across the region. University officials Dr. Charlotte V. Cariño, University Chancellor, Mrs. Richie B. Bungart, Director of the TechVoc Department, Ar. Vanessa Gaston, Architecture Program Head, and Mr. Jobert Kleine R. Koerkamp, Dean of the College of Agriculture welcomed the guests and presented an overview of Foundation University’s ongoing programs under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) framework. 

As one of the implementing institutions for TESDA-accredited courses, diploma programs, and assessment centers, the university has played a central role in providing students with practical, industry-relevant skills that complement their academic formation. The discussions that followed centered on strengthening this shared mandate, and identifying potential areas for collaboration.

Creative Department

One of the main points of interest was the development of a proposed Diploma in Fine Arts Technology. Both parties expressed enthusiasm for the project, recognizing the growing importance of merging artistic training with technical proficiency. The proposed program intends to bridge the gap between creative education and industry application, equipping learners with both the conceptual grounding of fine arts and the technical expertise demanded by the creative sector of this age. 

Following the meeting, the delegation toured the Fine Arts Department, providing an opportunity for the officials to engage directly with faculty and students, and to see the university’s facilities and student outputs that exemplify the university’s commitment to excellence in arts and design.

Foundation University expresses its gratitude to TESDA for its continuous support of institutional development and technical advancement, and acknowledges the value of TESDA’s guidance in maintaining the quality and relevance of its programs.