THE TECHNICAL Education and Skills Development Authority announced that it had trained more than 20,000 overseas Filipino workers and their dependents in 2023.

TESDA Director General Suharto Mangudadatu said that OFWs will always be among TESDA’s priority clients when it comes to skills training and livelihood programs.

“TESDA has always been at the forefront of uplifting the lives of our fellow Filipinos through quality education and skills development. Our commitment to upskilling and reskilling our repatriated OFWs, our modern-day heroes, and their families stays firm,” Mangudadatu said.

The TESDA chief made the statement after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. vowed to boost the government’s retraining programs for returning OFWs as the government is doing everything it can to reintegrate them into the local workforce.

“It is our mission at TESDA to ensure that you are not alone. We are here to provide you with the tools, training, and opportunities to rebuild and enhance your lives,” Mangudadatu added.

According to data, some 20,786 returning and repatriated OFWs and their dependents finished various training programs offered by TESDA in 2023.

The top 10 courses taken by the OFWs and their dependents were Entrepreneurship, Process food by sugar Concentration, Salting, Curing, Fermentation, Pickling, Drying, Thermal Application and Smoking (Leading to Food Processing NC II), Bread and Pastry Production NC II, Driving NC II, Cake Bread and Pastry Making, Caregiving NC II, Perform Body Massage, Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II, Perform Beauty Care (Nail Care) Services, and Organic Agriculture Production NC II

Further, from January to May 2024, some 4,780 returning and repatriated OFWs and their dependents had already completed different TESDA training programs.

Mangudadatu also encouraged OFWs and their dependents to enroll in the TESDA Online Program, which offers a variety of courses including Computer System Servicing, Caregiving, Cookery, Housekeeping, and other courses that can be learned online. This online platform allows OFWs to enhance their skills remotely, making education more accessible.

“TESDA has also enhanced the accessibility of the TESDA Online Program. Through the platform e-tesda.gov.ph, you can access high-quality training materials anytime, anywhere. This means that you can learn at your own pace, on your own schedule, and in the comfort of your home,” the TESDA chief added.