TESDA offers training programs for OFWs displaced by COVID-19

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is offering free training programs for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), its official said on Wednesday.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV, TESDA – National Capital Region director Florencio Sunico Jr. said interested OFWs can register online for the program.

“First, they will have to download the TESDA mobile app. Then, doon sa app na ‘yan, meron doon signup button for returning OFWs. I-click lang nila ‘yun. I-fill out nila ‘yun,” Sunico said.

“Those forms na rinegister nila online will go directly to the provinces where they are going to return. Tapos tawagan na sila ng mga probinsiya natin para masali doon sa taring program na in-identify nila,” he added.

According to Sunico, one of the most in demand trainings right now is on agriculture, to ensure food security in the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Around 300,000 OFWs and seafarers are expected to return to the country, according to Inter-Agency Task Force deputy chief implementer Vince Dizon.

Sunico said TESDA will help these displaced workers to find new jobs.

As the government discourages face-to-face classes, Sunico said TESDA will use a blended approach of teaching where the practical exercises of students will be done later once allowed.

“Blended na tayo. Kailangan mag-online muna. Once we are ready for face-to-face (classes), we can go na to the work set and complete the course,” he said. --Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News