As overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) continue to upgrade their knowledge and skills abroad, one important question stood out in the recent episode of ‘CIA with BA’: Can the skills they acquire outside the country be officially recognized in the Philippines?
This was the concern raised by Annie, an OFW who has been working in Hong Kong for ten years. Despite her demanding job, she spends her rest days attending classes and learning new skills in preparation for her eventual return home.
“Sa kasalukuyan po, kami po ay nag-aaral dito tuwing day-off po namin. Gusto na rin po naming makasama ang aming mga pamilya, mga mahal sa buhay, at makatulong na rin sa ating bansa,” Annie shared.
She then asked: “Mayroon po bang equivalent program or ma-credit po ba ng TESDA ang mga pinag-aaralan po namin dito, tulad po ng fire safety, food safety and food hygiene, computer literacy, basic first aid, and child development and care?”
With help from the show’s legal team, Atty. Bernadette Maybituin responded and confirmed that the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has a program specifically for OFWs like Annie.
“Tama po na may programa ang TESDA para sa OFWs na katulad ninyo. Ito po ang Recognition of Prior Learning or RPL, alinsunod sa TESDA Circular 09, Series of 2021,” Atty. Maybituin explained.
“Ayon sa circular na ito, maaari ninyong ipa-certify ang inyong mga training o kakayanan, kahit ito pa ay natutunan ninyo sa ibang bansa,” she added.
TESDA is the government agency that provides Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the Philippines. Through its Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program, skilled workers — including OFWs — can be assessed and certified based on the knowledge and competencies they’ve gained, whether through formal or informal means, even if learned abroad. This certification comes in the form of a National Certificate (NC), which is often required in local employment or business opportunities.
This episode of ‘CIA with BA’ highlights the program’s commitment to informing and empowering Filipinos overseas by tackling practical legal and livelihood concerns that impact their future.
‘CIA with BA’ airs every Sunday at 11:00 p.m. on GMA7, hosted by Senator Alan Cayetano and the King of Talk, Boy Abunda.