THE TECHNICAL Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has announced it is fully prepared to provide free skills training and competency assessment to around 8,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) expected to return to the country under the government’s repatriation program amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

TESDA Public Information Office Director Floramel Joy Songsong said the agency has already earmarked sufficient funding to support returning workers, following directives from TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez.

“We can accommodate the 8,000 as the Secretary already gave instructions to allocate funding not only for scholarship-based training, but also for free assessment,” Songsong said in an interview.

According to TESDA, some 2,234 certificates of commitment have already been turned over to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), with around 413 already distributed to OFWs. These certificates will allow returning workers to access free training and assessment services at TESDA offices or accredited training institutions nationwide.

Songsong added that about 6,000 more certificates are currently being processed in anticipation of the continued influx of repatriated workers. The DMW initially requested 5,000 training slots, while the Department of Labor and Employment(DOLE) reported that more than 900 workers are still awaiting deployment.

TESDA said repatriated OFWs can choose from a wide range of programs, including construction, hospitality, caregiving, and information technology. The agency is also offering entrepreneurship training to help returning workers start their own businesses and achieve long-term financial stability.

“OFWs have always been part of our priority sectors. We design our programs with them in mind, especially for those who decide to return home for good or face disruptions in employment abroad,” Songsong said.

TESDA expressed hope that returning OFWs will take full advantage of the initiative to upgrade their skills and remain globally competitive despite ongoing uncertainties overseas.