Over 1.2 million Filipinos have registered with the online program of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) in the past six years, the agency disclosed on Wednesday, Sept. 19.
Of this number, about 900,000 have actually enrolled and undergone the online program since it started in 2012. Tesda’s online program (TOP) allows people to enroll in multiple classes.
For six years, more than 441,000 have completed the online course of their choice, based on Tesda’s records given to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
The program is now offering 58 courses. Among the most-favored TOP courses in the last three years were Basic Computer Operation and Web Development.
Online education is deemed cheaper and more accessible, as students do not have to be physically present in school to learn.
At the 4th High Officials Meeting (HOM) of Southeast Asia TVET that the Philippines hosted recently, Tesda chief Guiling Mamondiong said the agency will promote online training, assessment, and certification.
But he said an improved Internet access is needed to achieve this goal. — Ma. Cristina Arayata (PNA)
