TESDA Director General: Gov’t Prepared to Provide Technical Training to Distressed Filipinos

Secretary Isidro Lapeña informs Filipinos in Dubai the key projects and programs of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. (Kabayan Kamera Klub photo)

DUBAI 13 March 2019 — Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General and Secretary Isidro Lapeña vowed to intensify the Philippine Government’s efforts towards increasing the skills of the Filipino workforce at a town hall meeting organized by the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai on 07 March 2019.

In his opening remarks, Secretary Lapeña informed the audience of TESDA’s key projects and programs. He said one of the areas that the agency focus on was providing skills training for people in different regions in the country, particularly in regions affected by armed conflict.

Secretary Lapeña likewise noted that TESDA is determined to move towards the implementation of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between TESDA and its counterpart in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the National Qualifications Authority, which was signed in 2018. The two agencies have yet to establish a joint committee that would draw up measures in line with the MOA, geared at streamlining the process of recognizing TESDA’s certification.

Asked by one of the wards currently staying at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office shelter in Dubai on how his agency can help Filipino household service workers like herself, Secretary Lapeña announced that TESDA is prepared to provide free technical skills training to help them reintegrate into the country. This commitment was warmly received by the audience.

The Secretary expressed optimism that his agency’s efforts, particularly in improving its partnership with its UAE counterpart, would have a direct and positive impact on the welfare of overseas Filipinos working in the country. END

For more information, visit www.dubaipcg.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinDubai/ or the Consul General's FB page @phcongendubaipaulcortes