As overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) continue to upgrade their knowledge and skills abroad, one important question stood out in the recent episode of ‘CIA with BA’: Can the skills they acquire outside the country be officially recognized in the Philippines?

Annie, an OFW who has been working in Hong Kong for ten years, raised this concern. Despite her demanding job, she spends her rest days attending classes and learning new skills in preparation for her eventual return home.

"Currently, we are studying here on our days off. We also want to be with our families and loved ones and help our country," Annie shared.

She then asked: "Is there an equivalent program, or can TESDA credit the things we are studying here, such as fire safety, food safety and food hygiene, computer literacy, basic first aid, and child development and care?"

With help from the show’s legal team, Atty. Bernadette Maybituin responded and confirmed that the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has a program specifically for OFWs like Annie.

“It is true that TESDA has a program for OFWs like you. This is the recognition of prior learning or RPL, under TESDA Circular 09 Series of 2021,” Atty. Maybituin explained.

"According to this circular, you can have your training or skills certified, even if you learned them abroad," she added.

TESDA is the government agency that provides technical-vocational education and training (TVET) in the Philippines. Through its Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program, skilled workers — including OFWs — can be assessed and certified based on the knowledge and competencies they’ve gained, whether through formal or informal means, even if learned abroad. This certification comes in the form of a National Certificate (NC), which is often required in local employment or business opportunities.

This episode of ‘CIA with BA’ highlights the program’s commitment to informing and empowering Filipinos overseas by tackling practical legal and livelihood concerns that impact their future.

‘CIA with BA’ airs every Sunday at 11 p.m. on GMA7, hosted by Senator Alan Cayetano and the King of Talk, Boy Abunda.