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| (Image Source: Adobo Magazine/Globe Telecom) |
Globe Telecom, through Globe University, is providing scholars of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s (TESDA) Online Program (TOP) with relevant content on the basics of WiFi and digital citizenship. The collaboration aims to help students upskill and develop competencies essential to keep up with drastic changes in today’s world – a goal aligned with Globe University’s aim of upgrading skills of the company’s 8,000-strong workforce. Through the university, Globe employees have been able to access learning materials online since the start of the pandemic.
In line with its vision to become a digital solutions group within the next three years, Globe encourages the use of technology and online platforms to enrich Filipinos’ life experiences. It shares TESDA’s vision to make its services on tech-voc training more accessible through technology-based initiatives. “At this time when online learning plays an integral part in Filipinos’ lives, there is great value in understanding how connectivity works and how our citizens can protect themselves online. With this partnership with TESDA, we believe that our learning modules can help our fellow Filipinos better leverage connectivity in their daily lives as well as objectively discern information they come across on social media,” said Globe University Head Berns Bernardo.
The latest Labor Force Survey of the Philippine Statistics Authority shows a 6.5% unemployment rate in November 2021. While the figure was the lowest since the height of the pandemic, it is still a major labor gap at 3.16 million unemployed. This situation underscores the importance of providing employment support for those without work or people with jobs but do not fit their qualifications. TOP fills this need by providing free Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) for Filipino workers’ technical education and skills development. Being on a web platform, the courses are also an effective and efficient way to deliver tech-voc education and training in the learner’s own space and time.
TOP scholars will have access to modules that tackle factors that affect Wi-Fi connection at home, and simple troubleshooting that can be done to optimize their experience. WiFi 101 is among topics covered under TESDA’s broadband installation course to help trainees learn WiFi fundamentals. They can also access Globe’s Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP), which has modules designed to train learners, parents, and educators on digital citizenship, online safety, and responsible Internet use. From the onset of the pandemic to date, there are already 3.2 million registrants on TOP. Globe previously provided TESDA with necessary communication tools to scale their programs and promote the Abot Lahat Ang OFWs program. Abot Lahat supports returning OFWs and their dependents through scholarship and retooling.
“We have noted that the labor sector bore the brunt of the economic impact of the pandemic and the government looked for ways to help our kababayans who lost their jobs. TESDA has never wavered on its commitment to serve our kababayans in their times of need, we have been helping them upgrade their skills and giving them opportunities to find ways to earn with our various programs,” said TESDA Director General Isidro Lapeña. TOP offers free online courses such as computer systems servicing, food processing, bread and pastry, and housekeeping, among others, with many other courses available from the automotive, agriculture, entrepreneurship and healthcare sectors. Interested parties can register online through the TOP website at https://e-tesda.gov.ph.
