By Alma L. Tingcang
IPIL, Zamboanga del Sur - This year’s free competency assessment of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), which is going to be held nationwide from May to October, will benefit 679 individuals in Zamboanga Sibugay.
TESDA Provincial Director Lorenzo Emanuel L. Guillermo said the targeted 679 candidates in the province for the National TVET Competency and Assessment and Certification (NATCAC) program will be composed of trainers of private and public technical vocational institutions, including TESDA Technology Institutions, local government units, and other government agencies providing TVET programs and private enterprises with registered TVET programs.
Also included are Department of Education trainers, public utility vehicle drivers, workers/industry practitioners/professional/career shifters who want to undergo competency assessment, returning OFWs/Filipino expatriates with relevant experience, and industry practitioners who are prospective competency assessors.
Guillermo said the sectors identified include automotive, construction, metals and engineering, tourism, electronics and information and communications technology, agri-fishery, food processing, health and other social community development services.
Ms. Joy Wee, TESDA-9 information officer, said the free competency assessment is the heart of the NATCAC program which is a synchronized conduct of assessment and certification in identified key qualifications. The program is designed to promote industry acceptance and recognition of the value of certification in quality-assuring the competencies of their workers.
This also seeks to upgrade the qualification of existing workers, trainers, and assessors to a higher level of qualification and enhance their competitiveness and employability.
Successful candidates will be issued their Certificates of Competency (COC) or National Certificates (NC) once they pass the assessment.
Interested applicants are required to submit self-assessment guide, three pieces passport size pictures with name written at the back, and duly accomplished application form to the nearest TESDA Provincial/Regional Offices or to identified accredited assessment centers.