THE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is continuously expanding its online training program, as more courses are now available on its web platform.
As of October 2021 there are 114 courses in the TESDA Online Program (TOP), according to data released by e-TESDA. Among the new courses integrated in the platform are International Labour Organization’s Job Readiness, English as a Medium of Instruction, Using Educational Technology in the English Language Classroom, and Microsoft’s Digital Literacy.
The TOP is a web-based platform that offers free Massive Open Online Courses, or MOOCs, for technical education and skills development of the local work force. Through the use of information and communication technologies, the program provides an effective and efficient way to deliver such kind of services to Filipinos and widens their chances of employment or sources of livelihood.
Meanwhile, the pandemic has also encouraged Filipinos to register in the TOP. From its introduction in 2012 up to October 2021, the program now has 3,443,530 registered users.
Since the implementation of travel restrictions due to the public-health crisis on March 16, 2020 and up to October 2021, 2,006,923 Filipinos have enlisted in the TOP—more than half of the total registrants since 2012.
In June last year Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña led the launching of “TESDA Abot Lahat ang OFWs” program, which aims to help upskill overseas Filipino workers who were then being affected by the pandemic. In relation, President Duterte, in his state-of-the-nation-address, ordered TESDA to empower OFWs, especially those repatriated due to the health crisis.
Data also released by e-TESDA showed that a total of 163,750 OFWs and their dependents have registered in the TOP from March 2020 to August 2021.
With this, Lapeña urged everyone to avail of the agency’s online courses to remain productive amid the mobility restrictions caused by the contagion.
“I invite the public, especially those who have lost their jobs or those trying to venture into a new livelihood, to try enrolling in our online classes,” encouraged Lapeña. “[These are offered for free; I’m sure they can find a course from the many options that will best suit your needs].”
For those interested to register or view the list of available courses, visit https://www.e-tesda.gov.ph/. Enrolleeswill be given a certificate of completion after finishing a course. However, those who wish to receive a National Certificate must undergo competency assessment in TESDA-accredited assessment centers.