TECHNICAL Education and Skills Development Authority Secretary Isidro Lapeña celebrated the first observance of Overseas Filipino Workers Day in Central Visayas on Friday, October 23, 2020.

The TESDA chief, together with Deputy Director Generals Lina Sarmiento and Luigi Quisumbing, and TESDA-VII Regional Director Andrew Bido awarded 20 OFWs National Certificates that will allow them work abroad.

They also distributed scholarship grants to the “modern day heroes” to enhance their skills or to learn other TESDA qualifications.

Lapeña congratulated the OFWs who passed their competency assessment on Ships Catering NC I.

“Now that you have your National Certificates, I hope you will all be deployed safely in your respective destinations. I wish you all the success as you venture abroad,” he said.

Lapeña thanked the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases for allowing the holding of assessment for OFWs in areas under General Community Quarantine.

The agency has added a feature in its website and TESDA App where OFWs can apply and schedule their competency assessment.

Through the TESDA website and mobile app, OFWs who lost their jobs due to the Covid19 pandemic can apply for scholarship and assessment and start a new career in the country.