TESDA boosts Japanese language training programs

December 24, 2024

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), has joined forces with the Japan Foundation, Manila to enhance language skills training for Filipino workers.

Last December 17, TESDA Director General, Secretary Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez and Japan Foundation, Manila Director Tsutomo Suzuki signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the TESDA Central Office in Taguig City.

This strategic collaboration aims to strengthen Japanese language proficiency, opening doors to greater employment opportunities for skilled Filipinos in Japan and beyond.

Likewise, the partnership underscores TESDA’s commitment to equipping Filipino workers with in-demand skills, particularly in response to the growing demand for talent in Japan’s industries.

In his message, Secretary Benitez emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating that this will ensure that Filipino skilled workers will be able to thrive in a work environment by providing language training and cultural understanding that meet the high standards of the industry.

“We are paving the way for the Filipino workforce to succeed on the global stage. Together, we are creating opportunities for language development, skill enhancement, and cultural exchange that will benefit both the Philippines and Japan for years to come,” Secretary Benitez said.

Through this initiative, TESDA and the Japan Foundation will provide specialized training programs, ensuring that trainees gain the necessary language competencies for work and cultural integration.

Under the agreement, TESDA shall review and map out the competencies being developed through the modules of the Japan Foundation, Manila on Japanese Language Proficiency for integration in the TESDA’s competency standards (CS).

Likewise, TESDA shall facilitate the development of CS and competency-based curricula (CBC) for A1, A2, and B1 levels of the Japanese language aligned with the prevailing international standards for language learning, teaching, and assessment.

For its part, the Japan Foundation, Manila shall identify training needs or skills requirements that will enhance the Japanese proficiency of Filipinos for better employability, and endorse industry experts in the development and regular review of CS and CBC.

It can be recalled that TESDA and the Japan Foundation, Manila have been collaborating to strengthen Japanese language skills training in the country.

Last September 2-6, through the collaboration of TESDA-National Language Skills Center and the Japan Foundation, Manila, several TVET Japanese language trainers participated in a five-day training workshop entitled IRODORI: Japanese for life in Japan, which aims to elevate their teaching pedagogy.