The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) formalized a new partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority – Region VII (TESDA 7) during the Mass Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing and Regional Industry Forum held on June 30, 2025 at Montebello Hotel, Cebu City. 

The event, attended by a diverse group of TESDA partners, while several organizations renewed their commitments, RAFI was warmly welcomed as one of the newest partners in the growing network of skills development advocates. 

RAFI’s engagement with TESDA 7 aligns with its broader mission of addressing key sectoral social issues through inclusive and community-based interventions. The Foundation also hopes to strengthen early childhood care and development and to expand access to quality technical education and certification within communities. As emphasized by Ms. Riella Mae Guioguio, Chief Operating Officer, the foundation aims to scale its training programs by tapping into TESDA’s technical expertise and support. 

“We have already initiated dialogues with TESDA Region VII to explore strategic collaboration in upskilling community development workers, culture and heritage advocates, farmers, and fisherfolk,” Guioguio shared. “Our goal is to expand access to quality education and skills training—especially at the grassroots level, in partnership with LGUs across Cebu.” 

Through this partnership, RAFI and TESDA 7 seek to professionalize care and education work, empower communities, and create more inclusive learning and livelihood pathways for vulnerable and underserved groups. 

RAFI looks forward to a productive collaboration with TESDA Region VII in building a more capable, resilient, and empowered Cebu.