Dr. Lea M. Gabawa, a faculty member of the College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT) of West Visayas State University (WVSU), took her oath as an appointed member of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Technology Institutions (TTI) Advisory Council of the Regional Training Center (RTC) Iloilo on Apr. 27, 2026.

The oath-taking ceremony and first council meeting were held at the RTC Iloilo in Zamora-Melliza, Iloilo City, marking the start of her three-year term from 2026 to 2029. She represents WVSU in the academe sector.

The council is mandated to provide policy advice and strategic guidance and to strengthen networks for RTC Iloilo. It also adopts a holistic approach to sectoral needs to help address and prevent skills mismatch in local industries.

During the meeting, members proceeded with the oath-taking, approved the 2026 TTI Advisory Council annual plan, received updates on the TESDA Innovation Center, and provided inputs on various TESDA directives.

Gabawa’s appointment highlights her leadership in research and innovation. She is the president of the Mechatronics and Robotics Society of the Philippines – Western Visayas Chapter, where she advances initiatives in innovation, automation and mechatronics—areas aligned with the direction of the newly launched regional TESDA Innovation Center.

She also serves as the CICT Gender and Development Focal Person representing in WVSU, contributing to the integration of gender-responsive approaches in university programs and initiatives.

Her role in the advisory council reinforces collaboration between the academe and industry in developing a more responsive and future-ready workforce in Western Visayas.