TESDA Director General Secretary Irene Isaac turned over the agency's leadership to Secretary Guiling “Gene”  Mamondiong in a ceremony held July 13, 2016 at the TESDA Women Center in Taguig City. The ceremony was attended by the agency’s national directorate composed of the Deputy Director General for Policies and Planning, Rosanna A. Urdaneta, Deputy Director General  for TESD Operations, Atty. Teodoro C. Pascua, Regional Directors and Executive Directors and also by friends and relatives of Secretary Mamondiong. In his acceptance speech, Secretary Gene said “I accept and take responsibility in ensuring that TESDA realizes its vision, accomplish its mission and fulfils its commitment”. He further expressed his desire to continue the agency's successful programs and integrate the anti-poverty agenda of President Rodrigo Duterte. Among the new plans and programs the new Secretary would like to adopt include: collaborating with the 42,000 Barangay all over the country to identify the skills requirements of the people in each and every Barangay, initiate and implement anti-poverty programs and projects particularly in the poorest regions, as well as, integrate the moral values, peace and order and effects of drug trafficking in the current modules to support the mantra and advocacy of the President against illegal drugs and corruption.