The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) said on Wednesday that it aims to produce globally competitive bartending qualifications, following the increase in demand in the country and overseas.
“Our demand for bartending is very high because the travel or tourism sector has a very high level of employment,” said TESDA Technical Trainer and Inspector Shella D. Bawar told reporters during an interview.
“Many hotels and bars are calling us, looking for our graduates,” he added.
Among the programs offered by TESDA throughout Metro Manila, the Waitering National Certificate (NC) II has the highest enrollment rate, followed by Bartending NCII.
Bartending NCII of TESDA includes skills in bar operation, preparation and mixing of alcoholic and non-alcoholic mixes, and basic wine service for all food and beverage service providers except “Specialty Coffee Shops”.
The institution has produced 75 to 100 bartending graduates in the past year, with nearly 100% employment.
“After this program, they become professional bartenders,” said Ms. Bawar, citing an estimated salary of between P40,000 and P80,000 in Metro Manila.
Although the organization encourages graduates to work for at least two years in the Philippines, most of them choose to work on cruise ships or in other countries, such as Dubai, Switzerland and Greece.
“We always talk about working here for two to three years, but most of them want to work abroad,” he said. “Most of them work abroad, which is what they are aiming for.”
TESDA has partnered with Diageo Philippines, Inc., an international alcoholic beverage company, to strengthen this program and align students with the changing needs of hospitality institutions in this country and abroad.
“Through this partnership, we bring together global expertise in commerce, beverage knowledge, education, hospitality, and excellence,” said the General Manager of Diageo Philippines, Inc. Rachanatorn “Nok” Laohaphan during his speech at the partnership signing ceremony.
Under the partnership, Diageo Philippines will offer globally recognized training modules from the Diageo Bar Academy to equip Filipino students with global mixology trends, in-depth spirits education, and modern bar management principles.
The curriculum also includes supporting business modules, such as customer relations, marketing fundamentals, and responsible drinking principles that are part of bar management.
“We are able to ensure that we are not only up-to-date but also globally competitive,” said TESDA Director General Jose Francisco B. Benitez during his speech.
“We aim to strengthen workforce development programs, expand access to quality training opportunities, and equip more Filipinos with the skills needed to succeed in this industry, whether in the Philippines or abroad,” he added.
The Diageo Masterclass will start in Q3 2026 with an initial group of 25 students and run for 3 weeks. – Almira Louise S. Martinez
