TAGUIG CITY – More Filipinos will gain access to cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) skills at no cost as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) integrates globally recognized digital training courses by Amazon Web Services (AWS) into the TESDA Online Program (TOP).
TESDA and AWS formalized the collaboration through a Strategic Training Agreement (STA) on September 29, 2026, at the TESDA Complex in Taguig City. Signed by TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez and AWS Philippines Country Manager Precious Lim, the agreement gives Filipino learners access to industry-leading cloud and AI training to help them pursue better employment and career advancement.
TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez said the collaboration reflects TESDA’s continuing efforts to make technical education more responsive to the evolving demands of the digital economy and to equip Filipino workers with skills that lead to better livelihoods.
“Skills development is ultimately about creating opportunities for people. Through this collaboration with AWS, we are giving Filipinos access to world-class cloud and AI training that they can use to build careers, pursue new opportunities, and contribute to the growth of our digital economy. Gusto nating masigurado na walang Pilipinong maiiwanan habang nagbabago ang mundo ng trabaho,” said Sec. Kiko Benitez.
Under the agreement, TESDA and AWS will offer cloud and AI courses on the TESDA Online Program, helping learners at all levels build in-demand skills for local and global industries.
The flagship courses to be integrated into TOP include:
- Fundamentals of AI — An introductory course covering the building blocks of artificial intelligence, including machine learning concepts and AI applications. No prior technical background is required.
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner — A foundational course that builds practical cloud competency across AWS services, security, architecture, and pricing, with a pathway to a globally recognized certification.
- AWS Certified AI Practitioner — A basic course equipping learners with applied AI skills, including responsible AI, generative AI, and the practical use of AWS AI services for real-world problem solving.
Training is open to all Filipinos with access to the TESDA Online Program. There are no prerequisites and no fees for courses available through the TESDA Online Program. Subject to availability, learners who complete certification-track courses can enroll at TESDA Women’s Center to access AWS Academy’s structured learning pathways and may be eligible to claim AWS certification vouchers, which can be used to sit for AWS Certification exams. Specific terms, eligibility requirements, and any applicable limits on certification vouchers are subject to the policies of the TESDA Online Program and AWS.
AWS Philippines Country Manager Precious Lim said the collaboration underscores AWS’s commitment to building cloud and AI capabilities at national scale.
“Cloud and AI skills should be for everyone. Through this partnership with TESDA, we’re making world-class training available to every Filipino, whether they’re starting their career or embarking on a new one. When you remove the barriers of cost and access, you give an entire generation the tools to build a better future for themselves and their communities,” said Precious Lim, Country Manager of AWS Philippines
The AWS digital training courses will be available on TESDA’s learning management system, allowing learners to access courses directly within the TOP.
The STA builds on a growing collaboration between TESDA and AWS. During the COVID-19 pandemic, AWS supported TESDA in scaling up the TOP through cloud deployment, helping the platform respond to the growing demand for online learning.
Looking ahead, TESDA plans to include more courses from the AWS catalog on cloud architecture, security, databases and other technology domains, while expanding its collaboration with AWS through industry-aligned training pathways, regional training events, and deeper integration of AWS content across TESDA’s national network of technology institutions and provincial training centers.
“At TESDA, we believe that skills transform lives. Ang cloud at AI ay hindi lang para sa mga nasa tech industry — ito ay para sa lahat ng Pilipino na gustong magkaroon ng mas magandang kinabukasan. This collaboration with AWS ensures that learning goes beyond the classroom and translates into real career opportunities, sustainable livelihoods, and a stronger, more competitive Filipino workforce,” added Sec. Benitez.
The collaboration is in line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to equip Filipinos with globally competitive skills.
