1September 2022. "Filipinos in South Korea, including their families, can avail of skills training and competency assessment of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) while abroad or in the Philippines", this was shared by Deputy Director General Aniceto "John" Bertiz of TESDA during their meeting with the Philippine Embassy and Filipino community in South Korea at an information session on 1 September 2022.

According to DDG Bertiz, TESDA OPLAN "Abot Lahat ang OFWs" offers a complete menu of pre-training; training, assessment and certification; and post training services in which overseas Filipinos and their families can avail of one-stop-shop training facilities, scholarships, and livelihood support for reintegration program through Skills and Entrepreneurship (OFW-RISE). While abroad, OFWs are also enjoined to avail of over 150 online courses offered by TESDA for free, which they can access at a pace and time convenient for them.

TESDA Regional Director Toni June Tamayo and Director Rolando dela Torre discussed the steps by which online training and on-site skills assessment for OFWs in South Korea will be implemented in cooperation with the Philippine Embassy and POLO-OWWA.

Ambassador Theresa Dizon - De Vega welcomed the various programs of TESDA for overseas Filipinos and affirmed the Embassy's support for proposed cooperation projects with the agency. "The Embassy looks forward to partnering with TESDA to bring the on-site competency assessment for OFWs here in South Korea and to expand its free Korean language skills and other training programs. This is line with our advocacy and whole of government approach on upskilling and retooling Filipino nationals to enhance their employability as well as prepare them for reintegration", the Ambassador said.

The TESDA delegation was in South Korea upon the invitation of the Human Resource Development of Korea (HRDK) under the K-Star Partnership Program for Skills Development from 26 August to 2 September 2022. As part of their program, the delegation met the Embassy and Filipino community, and joined online in an ongoing Photography Skills Training conducted by POLO-OWWA.

The meeting with TESDA was attended by Filipino community leaders and members via a blended platform, both face to face and via Zoom. -END-