FACE-TO-FACE training sessions and competency assessments of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) have now resumed in Metro Manila.
This was after the National Capital Region was placed under a more relaxed quarantine level which started on September 16. Tesda Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña then issued a circular containing guidelines on the pilot implementation of Alert Level System for pandemic response in the NCR.
Areas under Alert Level 5, or under granular lockdown, will still bar face-to-face training sessions and assessments.
Permitted classes, on the other hand, may allow up to 50-percent capacity for Alert Level 4 to 2, while full capacity could be implemented for Alert Level 1.
Moreover, those meant for qualifications requiring human contact like massage therapy, hilot and other beauty care-related subjects will be suspended regardless of the alert level.
Meanwhile, as other areas in the country are still placed under enhanced community quarantine and modified ECQ or MECQ, face-to-face training and assessment in those areas remain suspended.
With the resumption of limited face-to-face training and competency assessment in several areas, Lapeña reminded all Tesda offices nationwide to observe minimum-public health standards to avoid surges in cases.
He also encouraged applicants who want to avail training sessions and undergo assessments to first contact the nearest Tesda office in their areas to avoid inconveniences.
“I [urge] all Tesda field offices and…institutions to strictly enforce [compliance to public-health and safety protocols, as well as] reinforcement of contact-tracing systems, as face-to-face training and assessment resume,” Lapeña said.