NEWS | TESDA, the government's skills training agency, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have teamed up to offer free online courses on cloud computing and AI. TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez and AWS Philippines head Precious Lim signed the deal on September 29, 2026. Anyone can take the courses on the TESDA Online Program, with no requirements and no fees.
The first courses are Fundamentals of AI, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and AWS Certified AI Practitioner. Cloud computing means using the internet to store data and run computer programs. AI means computers that can learn and answer questions. People who finish the courses may be able to claim coupons for the official AWS tests, but TESDA and AWS will set the rules.
Officials say the goal is to help more Filipinos keep up as jobs change. TESDA plans to add courses on building cloud systems, keeping data safe and managing information. It also wants to hold training events in the regions and bring the lessons to its training centers around the country.
Many Filipinos cannot afford to pay for tech classes, so they miss out on tech jobs. Free courses with no requirements give beginners a way in. TESDA reaches more learners, and AWS gets more people who know its tools. Training centers with old lessons may struggle to compete with a free option.
When training from a big tech company is free, how long can paid courses with old lessons last?
