The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Negros Oriental is urging technical-vocational (tech-voc) graduates to register for the TESDA Skills Passport.

The digital platform is designed to help job seekers find employment opportunities and training programs suited to their skills.

TESDA Negros Oriental provincial chief Fletcher Gumahad made the call during a forum Wednesday, saying the Skills Passport is a useful tool for tech-voc students and graduates seeking jobs that match their qualifications.

He said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. launched the Skills Passport registration in February as part of the efforts to make information on available training programs and employment opportunities more accessible.

“We are promoting this because the government has invested (in) this to avoid hassles and (you) can do it through your cellphones,” he said.

Gumahad said more information about the Skills Passport will be provided during the World Café of Opportunities on Aug. 25 in celebration of National Tech-Voc Day, which will also feature a job fair for local and overseas employment to be held at Robinsons mall in this city.

Blanche Utzurrum, president of the Negros Oriental Association of TVET Institutions (NOATI) Inc., said scholars have already been informed about the event and were advised to bring their national certifications when applying for jobs.

Utzurrum said there are 41 technical-vocational institutions in Negros Oriental and expects many graduates to participate in the World Café of Opportunities.

A career guidance desk will also be available during the event, featuring the TESDA Skills Compass for career orientation, skills matching, professional advancement, and support services.

Meanwhile, Gumahad said some institutions in the province have started implementing TESDA’s diploma program, including Foundation University, Team Skills, and Metro Dumaguete College.

The diploma program runs for three years and is designed to lead to baccalaureate degrees, he added. (PNA)