Tesda certifies 7,000 workers

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority has certified at least 6,806 applicants.

The first National Technical-Vocational Competency Assessment and Certification held from March 28 to April 1 was extended free of charge for Filipino migrant workers displaced from their jobs abroad, dependents, skilled workers, and Tesda graduates.

The program was able to draw 23,898 applicants nationwide, exceeding the agency’s target of 20,000 for the first batch.

Tesda chief Joel Villanueva said the the next batches are scheduled for June and October.

“With the assessment and certification, our OFWs and Tesda graduates will have something else to show their prospective employers. It will be a plus factor for their employment here or abroad,” he said.

Tesda also certified 1,979 skilled workers, 401 trainers, and 4,023 students.

Region VIII (Eastern Visayas) had the most number of certified workers with 1,119, followed by Region IV-4 (CALABARZON) with 960; Region XI (Davao Region) with 923; Region VII (Central Visayas) with 922; Region III (Central Luzon) with 755.

The CARAGA region turned in 617; Cordillera Autonomous Region, 613; Region IX (Zamboanga Peninsula, 294; Region II (Cagayan Valley, 293; Region I (Ilocos region, 143.

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao had 66 certified workers; Region VI (Western Visayas), 40; National Capital Region, 33; Region V (Bicol), 18; and, Region X (Northern Mindanao), 10.

“Not long ago, Tech-Voc education offered by Tesda was not given much attention, but now people equate it with quality and excellence, not to mention, the stepping stone of some to pursue their education,” Villanueva said. –Manila Standard Today