Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Isidro Lapeña said it is necessary for those who would like to apply for domestic work to receive proper training.
“TESDA is concerned with how our domestic workers are treated by their employers. We sometimes hear reports that they are abused, and apparently, it is because they are unable to perform their jobs according to standards,” Lapeña told the Philippine News Agency in an interview Tuesday night.
This is why, he said, those who intend to work abroad as domestic workers should have the proper training. More importantly, they need to undergo and pass the competency assessment.
TESDA is currently piloting a compressed version of Domestic Work NC II, wherein trainees would study online for 10 days, and another two days for hands-on training. Regular training for this course runs for 218 hours.
“This (blended 12-day program) can be availed for free, as the expenses will be shouldered by the International Labor Organization (ILO). Anyone who has a pending application, or would like to apply as a domestic worker abroad could join this training,” he said.
Domestic Work NC II graduates could land a job as house help, housekeeper, kitchen helper, or hotel cleaner, according to Lapeña.
A total of 60 trainees can be accommodated in the pilot program that will run for six months. “After two batches (of trainees), the program will be evaluated and if we find this orderly and effective, we will recommend this for adoption by TESDA training institutions,” the official said.
The 218 hours in the regular training program is long for those in a hurry to apply as domestic workers abroad. Thus, TESDA is trying the 12-day version to hasten the application process.
For the online sessions, Lapeña said trainees will learn basic competencies such as workplace communication, teamwork, occupational health and safety procedures, professionalism.
They will also be taught about how to properly deal with employees and workmates. “We also included financial planning, safe migration based on ILO principles, knowing workers’ rights, migration adaption, and the four As of professionalism — appearance, attitude, action, and ability,” Lapeña shared.
Trainees will also learn core competencies, which Lapeña said include proper cleaning of dining, kitchen area and other parts of the house, proper way of doing the laundry, cooking hot and cold dishes, as well as how to serve meals.
After the online sessions, Lapeña said hands-on training will be conducted at the Fair Training Center in Moonwalk Village, Parañaque.
Meanwhile, TESDA announced on Tuesday that it has already welcomed 20 trainees — the first batch for this pilot program.
They are bound for Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia, it said. (PNA)
