DOLE launches skills certification program for TUPAD workers

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Saturday launched SkillPass, a skills certification program for Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) beneficiaries aimed at expanding their training and employment opportunities.

TUPAD is the agency’s community-based assistance package that provides temporary emergency employment for displaced, underemployed, and seasonal workers.

“A key TUPAD innovation is SkillPass, which helps beneficiaries turn their temporary work experience into a record of certifiable skills they can use for their next opportunity. It documents the work they performed and the competencies or certifications they earned,” DOLE said in a press release.

DOLE said that beneficiaries can use the competency credentials compiled in their SkillPass to apply for formal jobs, start a small business, seek employment overseas, or pursue further technical training.

“The beneficiary’s work and skills records will be consolidated into a SkillPass certification, issued within 15 days following their TUPAD engagement. Beneficiaries will then be referred to appropriate employment, livelihood, or skills training opportunities based on their qualifications and goal,” the agency said.

Program participants will also undergo profiling to determine the most suitable career, employment, or enterprise path for them.

This profiling and job-matching process will be carried out in coordination with various partners, including the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Public Employment Service Offices (PESO).

“Priority areas include digital services, green construction, agriculture and post-harvest activities, care work, food service, transport, equipment maintenance, and other nationally or locally in-demand occupations,” DOLE added.

Trabahong-Dagat

The Labor Department likewise introduced Trabahong-Dagat and Blue Enterprise Development on Saturday.

It is a work-to-skills employment and livelihood initiative for TUPAD workers, especially in coastal communities, initially rolling out in Zambales and the Zamboanga Peninsula.

The program is open to registered fisherfolk and their families, coastal youth, first-time jobseekers, and graduates of fisheries, maritime, or TESDA courses. It also extends to displaced or seasonal workers and members of legitimate fisherfolk organizations, labor unions, and cooperatives.

DOLE said the program will feature the following three tracks:

• Dagat Skills and Services - maritime and fishing-related operations
• Isda Skills and Production - aquaculture and fisheries development
• Blue Enterprise Development - aimed at helping turn technical skills into viable small businesses

The Trabahong-Dagat and Blue Enterprise Development program will be implemented in collaboration with partner agencies, including the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, MARINA, PESOs, and the Philippine Coast Guard. — VBL, GMA News