The TESDA Women’s Center allows women to be more adept in masculine courses such as Consumer Electronics Servicing that enables them to earn money from their own businesses.

The TESDA Women’s Center (TWC) in Taguig City is the the only skills training center for women in the country.

The first technical-vocational training institution in Asia to earn the silver level accreditation status from the Asia Pacific Accreditation and Certification Commission (APACC), TWC was established by the Philippine and Japan governments in July 1996 through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

TWC stands as a symbol of the Filipino women’s capability to engage in livelihood and wealth creation. It employs the three-pronged thrust of training, research and advocacy, and gender and development to provide a holistic approach to women empowerment.

COMPETENCY-BASED TRAINING

The TWC provides free competency-based training (CBT) courses for women in Automotive Servicing NC IIII, Commercial Cooking NC IIII, Consumer Electronics Servicing NC IIII, Dressmaking NC IIII, Food and Beverage Services NC IIII, Food Processing NC IIII, Housekeeping NC IIII, Pharmacy Services NC IIII, and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) NC IIII.

The duration of training is from three to seven months, consisting of competencies that a person needs to achieve based on a given qualification in her chosen occupation.

The learning process under CBT is modular, self-paced and based on standards specified by the industry. After completing the program, trainees are required to undergo national assessment and acquire certification in her chosen field of occupation.

Also integrated in the programs are basic computer literacy and empowerment courses such as gender sensitivity training, entrepreneurship development, and work ethics and values development.

The International Labor Organization (ILO) recently hailed TWC for its implementation of CBT programs for women.

RESEARCH AND ADVOCACY

Aside from improving training, TWC also formulates policies that will enhance the women’s socio economic status. It conducts studies that are published, disseminated and made available to the public through the TWC information resource center.

A multisectoral policy-making body called the National Gender and Development Council, formerly the Center Advisory Committee, crafts the necessary policies and sets the directions of TWC. The council is composed of representatives from the government and private sectors. Government representatives come from TESDA and the National Commission on the Role of Women (NCRW). The private sector representatives include those from the agri-processing, labor, women NGONGONGO, and business groups.

The TWC continually looks forward to working with public and private organizations and institutions in the Asia-Pacific Region for the improvement of the socio-economic status of women through training, entrepreneurship development, gender-sensitive policies, programs, and projects.

For details on TESDA programs and services, call 887-7777, send SMS message 09174794370 (Globe) 09182738232 (Smart) or email contactcenter@tesda.gov.ph