The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has extended free assessment and certification services to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Malaysia, resulting in 81 workers earning national certificates in various skill areas.
In a news release issued last week, TESDA said the initiative covered in-demand qualifications such as Hairdressing NC II, Barista NC II, Bread and Pastry Production NC II, Bartending NC II, Cookery NC II, and Dressmaking NC II.
TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez said the certification program aims to recognize the skills of OFWs and open more employment opportunities for them abroad and upon their return to the Philippines.
He stressed that distance should not be a barrier to skills recognition, prompting TESDA to bring assessment and certification services overseas.
“NCs are a key to opportunities,” Benitez said, underscoring the value of national certifications in improving workers’ prospects.
The program was conducted in partnership with the Migrant Workers Office, allowing Filipino workers in Malaysia to undergo assessment without returning home.
TESDA said similar overseas certification activities are planned in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in the coming months as part of its continuing support for OFWs worldwide.