Kuala lumpur: The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) announced on Wednesday that it has recently provided free assessment and certification services to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) residing in Malaysia.

According to Philippines News Agency, the assessments covered several in-demand qualifications, including Hairdressing NC II, Barista NC II, Bread and Pastry Production NC II, Bartending NC II, Cookery NC II, and Dressmaking NC II. TESDA reported that 81 OFWs successfully earned their national certificates (NCs) through this initiative, which was conducted in partnership with the Migrant Workers Office.

TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez emphasized that the NCs serve as a key to unlocking new opportunities for the workers. He stated that the physical distance of OFWs should not be a barrier to recognizing their skills and, therefore, TESDA is committed to bringing assessment and certification services to them abroad.

TESDA also announced plans to conduct similar activities in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in the coming months, further extending its reach to support and empower more OFWs around the world.