TESDA accredits DepEd’s first assessment center in Butuan City
By Mariesh F. Celedeña
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has accredited the Butuan City School of Arts and Trades (BCSAT) as the first Department of Education (DepEd) Assessment Center for Food and Beverage Services (FBS) NC II in the city division and Agusan del Norte, marking a significant step in strengthening skills certification and expanding employment opportunities for Filipino workers here and abroad.
The accreditation was formally recognized during the ceremonial handover of the Certificate of Accreditation led by TESDA Caraga Regional Director Florencio F. Sunico Jr., CESO III, and TESDA Agusan del Norte Provincial Director Rey M. Cueva on May 4.
Its core aim is to expand access to assessment and certification programs for senior high school learners in the technical-vocational-livelihood (TVL) track, allowing them to acquire industry-recognized qualifications even before graduation.
According to Director Sunico, the new assessment center will allow in-school assessment and certification, making TESDA services more accessible to learners, free from the costly travel that students outside the city had to bear.
He emphasized that NCs earned by learners are recognized both locally and internationally, helping graduates become more competitive for employment opportunities in hotels, restaurants, cruise lines, tourism establishments, and other hospitality industries abroad.
TESDA noted that globally recognized skills certifications continue to open pathways for Filipinos seeking overseas employment, particularly in countries with growing demand for skilled hospitality and food service workers. By providing accessible certification programs at the local level, more young Filipinos can qualify for higher-paying jobs and improve their chances of securing stable employment overseas.
For graduates of Food and Beverage Services (FBS) NC II, the certification opens opportunities in hotels, restaurants, cruise ships, resorts, and other hospitality-related industries overseas, where skilled Filipino workers continue to be highly valued for their service excellence and professionalism.
Meanwhile, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who worked abroad in 2024 was estimated at 2.19 million, an increase of 1.5 percent from the previous year’s estimated number of 2.16 million, highlighting the growing and continuing global demand for skilled Filipino workers across various industries, particularly in hospitality, tourism, and food services.
One of the important requirements that can help Filipinos qualify for overseas employment is the National Certificate (NC) issued by TESDA-accredited assessment centers. These certifications validate the competencies, skills, and industry readiness of learners, making them more competitive for jobs abroad. (MFC, PIA Caraga with a report from TESDA)
