COTABATO CITY, Aug. 5 (PNA) — The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (TESDA-ARMM) is offering free competency assessment and certification to about 500 industry workers in the region, an official today said.
Datu Omar Shariff Jaafar, TESDA-ARMM executive director, said the National Technical-Vocational Competency Assessment and Certification, implemented by TESDA, promotes technical-vocational education and trainings as well as strengthen the competency program for skilled workers to match the industry’s needs.
He explained that the program refers to synchronized conduct of competency assessment and certification at the regional and provincial levels in identified key sectors, or qualifications.
Primarily, it is aimed at expanding the clients’ access to assessment and certification program; enhancing competitiveness, employability and productivity of workers; and upgrading the qualification of existing workers, trainers and assessors.
Jaafar said the project is funded by TESDA’s Training for Work Scholarship Program that seeks to improve the reach quality of technical skills.
He said the assessment and certification program is offered for free by the government.
In fact, he said, TESDA-ARMM office provides all the necessary materials during the examination and skills training. The primary purpose of this exercise is to assist skilled workers in further elevating their competency.
Recently, a total of 14 industry workers took the assessment at the Regional Manpower Development Center in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.
For ARMM, 500 slots have been allocated under the program; about 175, or 35 percent of this year’s target covers Grades 9 and 10 Technology and Livelihood Education teachers in support of the K to 12 program implementation.
Jaafar added the other 325 slots are for workers, industry practitioners, professionals and career shifters, trainers of private and public technical vocational institutions, public utility vehicle drivers and returning overseas Filipino workers.
“Having a certification in a chosen field can lead to jobs for those seeking employment, high position in their current work, and higher paying jobs locally and abroad,” Jaafar said.
To avail of the free assessment and certification, applicants may visit the TESDA training office in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao or call 064 429-0091 / 09176224409 and look for the administrator, Engr. Bangon S. Sumunsang. (PNA)