TSPI Development Corporation, a leading microfinance organization, formalizes its partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement on October 31, 2002 at the EDSA Shangrila Hotel, Mandaluyong City. This partnership aims to build-up capabilities in the delivery of microfinance services to the poor. The project will ensure the availability of well-trained microfinance field personnel to mobilize the expansion plan of TSPI as it targets to reach 500,000 poor micro-entrepreneurs in 5 years. It also aims to develop the skills of microfinance clients to enable them to transform their micro-enterprises into enterprises with higher economic levels of profitability and sustainability.

TSPI brings into the partnership its 21 years of development experience. It is one of the few local microfinance non-governmental organizations operating self-sufficiently. As of September 2002, TSPI had 58,000 active clients being served through a network of 40 branches in 8 provinces of Luzon and most towns and cities of Metro Manila.

TESDA, on the other hand, is a government institution mandated to provide relevant, accessible, high quality and efficient technical education and skills development in support of the development of high quality Filipino middle-level manpower. Its expertise in skills development and training design will be harnessed in the development of a three-level competency training program for branch managers, branch accountants and account officers. Likewise, its experience in technical vocational training for women will give TSPI clients the opportunities to improve their entrepreneurial skills. TESDA makes available its state-of-the-art TESDA Women's Center based in Taguig, Metro Manila and its various regional training centers all over the country.