24,820 applicants avail of TESDA free assessment

July 8, 2018

The two-day National Assessment Day (NAD) of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) held across the country last June 26-27, 2018 was a success.

This was revealed by TESDA Director General, Secretary Guiling  “Gene” A. Mamondiong who reported that 24,820 persons were given free assessment, of which, 21,612 passed/certified at 1,753 TESDA accredited assessment centers in 17 regions nationwide.

Mamondiong said the result of this year's assessment exceeded the agency's expectations of 17,035 technical vocational education and training (TVET) graduates, teachers, trainers and interested workers who registered prior to the holding of NAD.

The top 10 courses in which many applicants were assessed: Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) NC ll with 2,080 assessed; Computer System Servicing NC ll - 1,860; Cookery NC ll - 1,598; Housekeeping NC ll - 1,570; Food & Beverage Services NC ll - 1,434; Driving NC ll - 1,411; Bread & Pastry Production NC ll -1,243; Domestic Work NC ll - 1,071; Bookkeeping NC lll - 910 and  Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM) NC ll - 820.

The region with the highest number of applicants who availed of the free assessment and certification was the National Capital Region (NCR) where 4,045 people were assessed. Of the total number, 3,799 have been certified equivalent to 94 percent certification/passing rate.

Of the 24,820 persons assessed, 11,273 (45 percent) of them were females while 13,547 (55 percent) were males.  Of the 21,612 who passed/certified 9,750 (45.11 percent) were females while 11,862 (54.89 percent) males.

Mamondiong said that 5,506 (22.18 percent) who were assessed came from construction-related qualifications. Of this, 4,834 (87.80 percent) of them passed and were given the National Certificate. He added that those who passed in the field of construction will be helpful to the "Build Build Build Program" of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The TESDA chief also explained that the free national assessment aims to broaden the public’s information and appreciation of TESDA's Competency Assessment and Certification Program; and promote wider recognition of the National Certificate (NC) to employers and industries.

With the success of NAD, the agency plans to hold it on an annual basis, Mamondiong said.