ALL outbound Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the provinces are encouraged to undergo competency evaluation in the nearest assessment center in their area to avoid overcrowding in the National Capital Region (NCR), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) said last Sunday.
“We are encouraging all our outbound OFWs to take up their competency assessment on Domestic Work NC II at the nearest training institutions in their area. There are available assessment centers nationwide,” Tesda Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña said. “We assure you that we will accommodate all outbound OFWs who need to be assessed.”
Lapeña said that Tesda technology institutions with accredited assessment centers in Metro Manila are receiving the bulk of applications for Domestic Work assessment compared to those located in the provinces.
Currently, there are 34 Tesda technology institutions nationwide, which offer competency assessment on Domestic Work NC II, of which three are in the NCR. These are: Tesda-Navotas Training Institute in Navotas; Tesda Women’s Center (TWC); and, Pasay-Makati District Training and Assessment Center (PMDTAC) both in Taguig City. Other regions also offer assessment on Domestic Work NC II.
Meanwhile, to avoid the spread of Covid-19, Lapeña is encouraging all outbound OFWs who need assessment to file their application for assessment and certification online through the Tesda mobile app and Tesda web site.
Currently, the Tesda app receives around 50 to 60 applications from Metro Manila and 10-15 applications from Region III and Region 4A. Other regions receive only a few or no applications at all.
Upon visiting the Tesda web site, users will find the “Tesda Abot Lahat ang OFWs” button from there and just click it and send their application, according to Lapeña.
He said that upon clicking the button, OFW applicants will be asked what kind of qualification they need to be assessed for.
“If they are already registered, the Tesda provincial or district office will facilitate and process their application and will inform them of the location and schedule of their assessment,” Lapeña said.