TESDA, DMW partner to boost upskilling programs for OFWs

 

Photo courtesy of DMW

By John Lester Naguna 

MANDALUYONG CITY (PIA) — The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) are strengthening their partnership to provide continuous upskilling for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to ensure they remain competitive in the global labor market.

TESDA Director General Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez announced the intensified collaboration during the DMW’s flag-raising ceremony Monday morning, emphasizing that enhancing the skills of Filipino workers is a strategic necessity.

“Upskilling is investment. It is a way of future-proofing yourself in an increasingly competitive global market,” Benitez said. “Learning does not end upon leaving the country; instead, it becomes even more essential while they are abroad.”

The initiative aims to align with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to empower OFWs by making them more prepared and confident in their respective fields. By integrating TESDA’s training programs with the DMW’s migrant services, the government seeks to ensure that the skills acquired by Filipinos are recognized and utilized effectively across international borders.

Benitez noted that the partnership focuses on creating a solid employment foundation for OFWs, allowing them to adapt to the shifting demands of foreign employers and technological advancements in the workplace. By integrating training programs with migrant services and welfare protection, the government seeks to build a more resilient employment foundation for OFWs. 

Benitez expressed optimism for future programs that will allow workers to remain confident and competitive through continuous certification and career advancement.

“If TESDA, DMW, and OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) work together, we can achieve it,” Benitez said.

The joint effort is expected to produce more policies and programs directly aimed at skill certification and career advancement for Filipinos currently stationed overseas, as well as those preparing for deployment. (JLN/PIA-NCR)