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TAGUIG CITY — Showing its commitment to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is set to conduct its Overseas Assessment Program (OAP) in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Singapore.
After the successful conduct of the OAP in 2023, TESDA will once again bring its services to OFWs in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on June 14-20, Dubai, UAE, on June 22-26, and Singapore on July 27-28.
The assessment venues will be the Universal Skills Development Institute (USDI) and Filipino Computer & Literacy Program (FCLP) in Jeddah; Power Technical Training Center (PTTC) in Dubai; and, CARE Academy, Bayan Academy, and Home Academy in Singapore.
According to the TESDA Director General, Secretary Suharto T. Mangudadatu, OFWs have been among TESDA’s priorities when it comes to the provision of free skills training and assessment from the agency.
“We are bringing our free assessment to our OFWs in different countries so that they won’t need to go back to the Philippines just to be assessed and certified,” the Secretary said, noting that OFWs need to be certified for job retention, promotion, or to explore other job opportunities.
He added that through the OAP, OFWs can validate and certify their competencies acquired through prior training or work experience.
A total of 1,500 OFWs will be assessed in various qualifications such as Caregiving NC (National Certificate) Il, Massage Therapy NC II, Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II and III, and PV Systems Installation NC II, Automotive Servicing (Engine Repair) NC II, Automotive Servicing (Electrical Repair) NC II, Events Management Services NC III, and Trainers Methodology Level I will be assessed.
The OAP will be implemented in coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) through its Migrant Workers Office (MWO).
One of the objectives of the OAP are for the OFWs to acquire the Philippine competency certification through assessment of their current knowledge and skills in related or alternative qualifications or jobs. It is also the aim of OAP to upgrade the skills of OFWs for better job opportunities.
According to data, a total of 5,976 OFWs have so far been assessed since the OAP was first implemented in 2014. Of these, 5,036 were certified and awarded with TESDA NCs.
“Our OFWs can expect to receive the TESDA services even in their country of employment. We are expanding our reach to help the OFWs who are all over the world. Truly, sa ‘TESDA Lingap ay Maasahan’,” the Secretary said. (♤)