Reaffirming its commitment to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on Tuesday said it will once again conduct its Overseas Assessment Program (OAP) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates from Nov. 21 to 23.

Following a series of successful OAP initiatives worldwide, TESDA continues to advance accessible skills assessment and certification for OFWs.

This year, the assessment will take place at Infinity Studies & Technical Solutions, a TESDA-accredited overseas assessment center in Abu Dhabi.

In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen support systems and expand opportunities for OFWs through skills development and certification, the OAP will offer assessment opportunities in Caregiving NC II and Health Care Services NC II, targeting 200 OFWs.

By earning national certification through this program, OFWs can validate their technical expertise, enhance their professional credentials, and boost their employability in the global workforce.

TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez underscored the agency’s unwavering commitment to supporting Filipino workers everywhere, highlighting the agency’s mandate to provide skills training and certification to Filipino skilled workers.

“Our kababayans abroad deserve the same access to quality skills assessment and certification as those here at home. Through the Overseas Assessment Program, we bring TESDA’s commitment to skills excellence and lifelong learning closer to our modern-day heroes, the OFWs who continue to uplift the Filipino name across the world,” Benitez said in a news release on Tuesday.

Interested OFWs in Abu Dhabi who wish to participate in the 2025 OAP may register through the official link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Bv2Axr6t726DqTYwheElTg-RZa9ipkPA0Yf3J9D-3nY/preview.

Applicants are required to submit a duly accomplished Application Form, a Self-Assessment Guide (SAG) corresponding to their chosen qualification, and a copy of their training certificate or certificate of employment (COE) to the designated assessment center.

Electronic copies of the Application Form and Self-Assessment Guide (SAG) for the identified qualifications may be downloaded through this link: https://bit.ly/TESDA_Prep_Assessment.

This year’s OAP has already assessed a total of 1,362 OFWs across five countries in the Middle East and Asia, with 1,192 earning TESDA National Certificates and Certificates of Competency, reflecting the program’s continued success in recognizing and empowering Filipino workers abroad.

The 2025 OAP, in partnership with the Department of Migrant Workers, aims to support the career growth and employment opportunities of OFWs by certifying their skills according to national and global standards. (PNA)