In a significant stride toward greening TVET, Mary Grace Pelayo-Arellano, a trainer from RTC-KPVTC, Davao and a member of the Green TVET Team, successfully completed an intensive five-day regional training program in Bangkok, Thailand. From February 23 to 27, 2026, the Best Western Nada Don Mueang Airport Hotel served as a hub for innovation where various national delegates collaborated with Asia-Pacific TVET leaders.
This mission, facilitated by CPSC Faculty Specialist and main course coordinator Prof. Naeem Yaqoob, was driven by the urgent global need to bridge the gap between traditional technical training and the demands of a rapidly emerging green economy, ensuring that the workforce remains competitive on an international scale.
The immersion began with a deep dive into Thailand’s pioneering Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model, a strategic framework that harmonizes economic growth with environmental preservation. Through a series of high-level technical sessions and lectures led by experts such as Prof. (Dr.) Suresh K. Dhameja, the participants explored how to transform TVET systems into engines of sustainability.
By analyzing successful case studies in renewable energy and smart agriculture, the delegation gained critical insights into green accreditation standards and climate-resilient policies. This knowledge serves as the primary blueprint for elevating the institutional quality of RTC-KPVTC, Davao, shifting the focus from mere skill acquisition to holistic environmental consciousness.
The international conference held on February 26, 2026 titled “From Green Skills to Green Economies,” further amplified the institution’s voice on the global stage. Participants engaged in vital dialogues regarding the necessity of inclusive and gender-responsive green TVET programs, advocating for a transition that leaves no learner behind. The exchange of “country papers” and best practices ensured that the strategies brought home are harmonized with the highest international standards for sustainable development.
Ultimately, this regional participation transcends individual professional growth, serving as a catalyst for a broader greening TVET revolution within the Philippines, specifically in Davao Region’s technical landscape. By integrating low-cost sustainable technologies and green lesson planning into the curriculum, the institution is effectively future-proofing its graduates for green skills and green jobs. This strategic rollout strengthens the commitment of RTC-KPVTC, Davao to leading the charge in environmental stewardship, proving that the path to a sustainable future begins with the skills taught in the classroom today.
The participation in this international engagement was formally established through the Letter of Acceptance (Ref. No. SC/2026/1042/TDD) issued by the Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) on January 28, 2026, which designated the official delegate for the Philippine contingent. The program was further guided by the CPSC OnCOURSE Program Design and the collaborative framework established between the CPSC and the Office of the Vocational Education Commission (OVEC) of the Ministry of Education, Thailand. These documents outlined a comprehensive 40-hour curriculum focused on the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model and the Thailand 4.0 vision, designed to align regional TVET systems with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and institutionalize environmental responsibility within technical education.