THE TECHNICAL Education and Skills Development Authority expanded its online training program by making more courses available in its platform.

As of October 2021, there were 114 courses in the TESDA Online Program. The TOP is a web-based platform that offers free Massive Open Online Courses for the technical education and skills development of Filipinos.

Since its launch in 2012, some 3.4 million users have registered.

Among the new courses are International Labor Organization’s Job Readiness, English as a Medium of Instruction, Using Educational Technology in the English Language Classroom and Microsoft’s Digital Literacy.

In June last year, TESDA Director General Isidro Lapeña launched “TESDA Abot Lahat ang OFWs” program which aims to help upskill overseas Filipino workers affected by the Covid19 pandemic.

Data released by e-TESDA showed that 163,750 OFWs and their dependents have registered in the TOP from March 2020 to August 2021.

Lapeña encouraged everyone to avail of the agency’s online courses to remain productive amid the mobility restrictions due to Covid19 pandemic.

“I invite the public, especially those who have lost their jobs or those trying to venture into a new livelihood, to try enrolling in our online classes. This is offered for free. I’m sure you can find a course from the many options that will best suit your need,” he said.

For those interested to register or view the list of available courses, visit https://www.e-tesda.gov.ph/.

Enrollees will be given a certificate of completion after finishing a course. However, those who wish to receive a National Certificate must undergo competency assessment in TESDA-accredited assessment centers.