Filipino workers in Kuwait can now earn Philippine-recognized TESDA credentials without leaving the country. This was proven after a three-day TESDA skills assessment program held from October 23 to 25, 2026.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) conducted the Overseas Assessment Program for Bread and Pastry Production NC II and Caregiving (Elderly) NC II. OWWA OWO-Kuwait announced the activity on a Facebook post, saying it was carried out with a TESDA delegation led by Director Janet M. Abasolo.
What Was Assessed
The program focused on two qualifications that reflect the kinds of work many Filipinos already perform abroad: baking and caring for older adults.
Participants were assessed for Bread and Pastry Production NC II, which covers baking and pastry-making skills, and Caregiving (Elderly) NC II, which covers the competencies needed to care for older adults. Both are TESDA qualifications that can lead to a National Certificate. The assessment gave workers a chance to have skills gained through work experience or prior training formally evaluated.
TESDA’s Overseas Assessment Program brings competency assessment and certification closer to Filipinos working abroad. According to the agency, the service is delivered overseas through training organizations and Filipino communities.
Why It Matters
Many Filipino workers build strong skills overseas but do not always have documents to prove them. A TESDA National Certificate can serve as formal evidence of competency for employers and future opportunities.
It also removes a major hurdle: workers do not have to return to the Philippines just to be assessed. TESDA has previously held OAP activities in countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
What Was Not Announced
The OWWA Kuwait post did not say:
- How many workers joined the assessment
- How many passed
- Whether another batch will be held
- When or where the next assessment will take place
- Whether additional qualifications will be offered
Workers interested in a future round should follow official OWWA Kuwait and TESDA pages rather than rely on forwarded posts or unverified messages.
Filipinos Want More
The announcement quickly drew attention from Filipinos in Kuwait, with several commenters asking whether the program would be held again and whether they could still join.
Some asked if there were remaining slots or a way to enroll, while others wanted to know where the assessment took place. The questions show strong interest in overseas certification, especially among workers who may have missed the October batch.
Several commenters also requested beauty-related qualifications, including beauty care, hair, and nails. One commenter said they were willing to volunteer and share their skills with those interested in entering the beauty industry.
The requests suggest that many Filipino workers in Kuwait are looking for assessment options beyond baking and elderly care. However, OWWA and TESDA have not announced additional Kuwait qualifications, dates, or registration details based on the information provided.
What Workers Can Do
For Filipinos in Kuwait who missed the recent assessment or want to prepare for a future batch, the most important step is to rely on official information and keep the right documents ready.
- Monitor official OWWA Kuwait and TESDA pages for future announcements.
- Keep employment certificates, training records, and other documents ready.
- Review the requirements for the specific qualification before applying.
- Be cautious of unofficial intermediaries claiming guaranteed assessment slots.
The Kuwait program shows that skills recognition is becoming more accessible for Filipinos working abroad. Whether it expands will depend on whether OWWA and TESDA bring it back—and add qualifications that match the jobs many workers already do.