Iloilo taps TESDA to build drone, 3D printing workforce

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. met with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez on May 5 to seek the agency’s support in developing training programs focused on drone operations and 3D printing technology.

The initiative is part of Iloilo’s broader push to establish the province as a hub for drone development, following reported discussions with international firms exploring the province as a possible site for drone assembly and operations.

The provincial government is prioritizing workforce development to prepare local talent for the emerging industry, viewing drone technology as both a modernization tool and a potential source of future employment.

“We have identified skills development, particularly in drone technology and application, as a platform to equip our people with future-ready competencies,” Defensor said.

Defensor said expertise in drone operations could support key sectors, including fisheries, disaster risk reduction and management, agriculture, and environmental protection.

The provincial government is also seeking the creation of a Drone Operations Office under the proposed “Protect, Defend and Preserve Iloilo Ordinance of 2026,” which aims to institutionalize drone-assisted monitoring and enforcement operations across the province.

Beyond technical training, the province aims to align local workforce capabilities with evolving global labor demands, particularly in technology-driven industries.

A partnership with TESDA could establish formal certification programs and specialized training pathways for drone operators and related professionals in Western Visayas.