4 PRA NEWS UPDATES
PHILIPPINE RETAILING
PRA and TESDA Forge Partnership to Revolutionize Retail Technical-Vocational Education and Training
By Mayan Sangil , PRA addresses unemployment and job-skill mismatch through strategic policy reforms in TVET aligned with retail sector requirements .
PRA , expressing its enthusiasm for the collaboration , emphasized its commitment to advancing the skills development landscape in the retail industry .
“ Our collaboration , as outlined in the MOA , underscores a shared commitment to addressing dynamic challenges faced by the retail sector , such as skills-job mismatch , trainer and assessor development , and skills anticipation ,” stated PRA Chairwoman Ms . Rosemarie Bosch-Ong .
In a significant collaboration , the Philippine Retailers Association ( PRA ) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority ( TESDA ) signed a Memorandum of Agreement ( MOA ) on November 16 , 2023 , officially establishing the NCR Industry Technical-Vocational Education and Training ( TVET ) Board for the Retail Sector .
The initiative aims to engage employers , workers , learning institutions , and government in designing , developing , and implementing an area-based and demand-driven technical education and skill development system . Focused on creating a qualified , competent , and job-ready Filipino workforce , the project
PRA Staunchly Supports PCC ’ s Competition Advocacy Pledge
By Mayan Sangil , PRA
The Philippine Retailers Association ( PRA ) is delighted to announce its active participation in the Philippine Competition Commission ’ s ( PCC ) Champions of Competition Program-Competition Pledge Project . This underscores PRA ’ s unwavering commitment to championing the principles of fair market competition . This initiative encourages businesses to commit to upholding the principles and provisions of the Philippine Competition Act , focusing on responsive business practices in line with the core pillars of competition .
Through this groundbreaking partnership , PRA is set to significantly contribute to the strategic shift towards an area-based and demand-driven TVET system . The association acknowledges its pivotal role in harmonizing retail TVET requirements and bridging the gap between industry demands and TVET skills standards . PRA pledges to serve as the pulse and voice of retail , fostering a sector-focused , policy-oriented , and labor-market-driven approach in TVET planning , delivery , and implementation .
The MOA signing ceremony , held at the TESDA Office on November 16 , 2023 , featured key representatives from both organizations . PRA Chairwoman Ms . Rosemarie B . Ong , PRA Director for National Affairs Atty . Paul Santos , and TESDA NCR Regional Director Mr . Jovencio Ferrer , Jr . formalized the partnership , symbolizing a united commitment to the development and enhancement of the retail sector ’ s TVET .
market competition , especially within the retail sector . The commitment holds significant weight as PRA earnestly urges the government to level the playing field between online and traditional in-store retail players .
In a statement of support , the PRA emphasizes , “ While embracing technological innovation and efficiency , we underscore the paramount importance of a level playing field to foster genuine and healthy competition across various industries and markets . It is our collective aspiration that each player contributes equitably and fairly , ensuring the growth and development of all stakeholders ."
United with the PCC , the PRA stands firm in advocating for responsible business practices that contribute ethically and sustainably to the country ’ s socio-economic development . This collaborative effort underscores PRA ’ s shared vision of cultivating an environment where businesses contribute equitably and responsibly , fostering the nation ’ s growth .
The official launch of the Competition Advocacy Pledge by the PCC took place on November 30 , 2023 , at Conrad Manila , where the PRA proudly attended represented by PRA President Bobby Claudio , demonstrating its full support for this crucial project .
PRA ’ s mission aligns accordingly with the PCC Competition Advocacy Pledge , showcasing its dedication to promoting fair