DMMMSU Open University System (DOUS), during its third episode of “Kapihan sa DMMMSU” which was aired live via DOUS Facebook Page and over 97.1 DZAG Radyo Pilipinas Agoo on July 14, 2020 featured the Technical Education Skills Development Authority or TESDA Region 1, represented by Mr. Artemio Pulido, Regional Inspectorate and Training Operations (RITO) Chief.

Mr. Pulido discussed on how TESDA Region 1 is adapting flexible learning to conduct its skills trainings amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Four modalities are used by TESDA to conduct its training courses: 1)online classes/training, 2) distance learning, 3) face to face meetings, and 4) blended learning (a combination of face to face meetings and online or virtual meetings).

“The technical vocational school shall decide which modality to use, based on the training course it is offering, its trainers’ capability, the trainees’ capability, and the facilities available,” said Mr. Pulido. He added that blended learning is the most ideal because in technical vocational education, certain skills could only be learned hands-on at the school where the equipment and facilities can be accessed. Face to face meetings are allowed by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF), provided that only 50 percent of the usual class population should gather.

Further, community-based onsite trainings can be offered to those who live in far-flung areas and do not have access to the internet. To avail of this, those interested may contact their Local Government Unit.

Among the TESDA courses in demand now are food processing trainings, and trainings related to agriculture. Some courses can also be availed even by non-High School graduates. TESDA currently offers scholarships and free online courses on various topics. Further, it is still conducting tests for national certificate (NC) and this service has not stopped even during the pandemic.

For more information regarding TESDA programs, visit their website at www.tesda.gov.ph.