By Lily O. Ramos
MANILA, Jan. 23 (PNA)—- Education through online program or internet is now a strong alternative for Filipinos being offered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Online where the website http://www.e-tesda.gov.ph has registered some 5,117,681 applicants since it went online in May 2012, up to Jan.15, 2014.
Job seekers are also consistently looking at the website for the best job opportunity in terms of location, salary and living condition.
The Philippines top those accessing the website, followed by those from Saudi Arabia, United States, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Qatar, Canada, Hong Kong, Australia and others.
To date, the TESDA Online Program (TOP) also recorded a total of 25,631 students enrolled in various courses.
TOP was designed to make technical vocational education and training (TVET) more accessible to potential trainees through the use of Internet technology.
“Technical vocational education and training has become an appealing option to many Filipinos, but for some, the necessity to be physically present in a classroom has become a barrier,” Secretary Joel Villanueva, TESDA director general, said.
“TOP shattered the boundaries that hinder access to TVET because there is now the Internet. Now, even overseas Filipino workers, who want to specialize in a course can take the training and have a National Certificate after passing the assessment,” Villanueva added.
The online courses are free, but registration is required to be able to access the courses.
As of Jan. 15, total number of registered users of the TOP website has reached 156,565, of which 22 percent are located overseas.
At present, the e-TESDA project management office has developed and published the following courses: Basic Computer Operation; Computer Hardware Servicing; Game Programming NC III; Web Development; Waiter Servicing; Valet Servicing; Bus Boy Servicing; Room Attendant Servicing; Guest Room Attendant Servicing; Cleaning the Premises; Laundry Servicing; Cellphone Servicing; Fruit Grower; Diesel Engine Tune Up; Packaged Air Conditioner Unit Servicing; and, Curriculum Development.
But while online courses bring all the necessary flexibility and comfort, Villanueva advised the students to invest time and discipline in their studies so they could complete their respective courses. (PNA)