The TESDA Women's Center (TWC) in its quest for higher level accreditation and in leading the way for other TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) institutions in the Philippines towards continual quality improvements, submitted itself for reaccreditation by the Asia Pacific Accreditation and Certification Commission (APACC) from August 10 to 11, 2015.
(L-R, seated): Dr. Romulita Alto, Pn. Noor Aidi Binti Nadzri, Atty. Teodoro Pascua, Dr. G. Kulanthaivel, and Mr. Elpidio Mamaril Jr
The APACC team who visited TWC consisted mainly of CPSC Short-Term Faculty Consultant Dr. Romulita Alto as Team Leader, and Pn. Noor Aidi Binti Nadzri, Director of Instructional and Digital Learning Division, Department of Polytechnic Education, Malaysia, as Team Member. They were joined by APACC Officer-in-Charge Dr. G. Kulanthaivel, as well as APACC Support Staff Mr. Bryan Noel Lazaro and Ms. Felice Jeanine Marquez.
As a sign of support to TWC's commitment for quality improvement, TESDA Deputy Director General for TESD Operations Atty. Teodoro C. Pascua, and APACC National Coordinator for Accreditation in the Philippines/TESDA Certification Office - Assistant Director Mr. Elpidio D. Mamaril graced the Opening Ceremony of the On-Site Visit. TWC Chief Ms. Maria Clara Ignacio shared during her Opening Remarks that after being accredited by APACC, TWC has been recognized for its best practices in gender and development, and for producing employable graduates. TWC did not only gain confidence from the industry but accountability and public trust as well. Ms. Ignacio further mentioned that APACC accreditation made them even more eligible to bid for funding from government and local/international sponsors. APACC Officer-in-Charge Dr. GK added that with the establishment of the Association of APACC Accreditees (AAA), workforce mobility would then be realized.
TWC has been APACC's partner in promoting institutional quality improvement dating back when the APACC Accreditation Instrument was pilot-tested in the Center. TWC eventually became the first TESDA technology institution to be accredited by APACC in 2008 and was re-accredited in 2012. This year, TWC looks forward to add another milestone on its laurels in aiming for second re-accreditation by APACC. TWC will be the first institution among all accredited institutions to receive a second re-accreditation in the event of its reaccreditation.
The Center envisions that in every Filipino household is a woman skilled for a living and educated for life. Carrying its mission, which is to develop the competence and character of women in the most marginalized sectors of the Philippines society to equip them with an employable skill and prepare them for their role in the family and community thereby elevating their status towards gender equality. TWC offers the following TVET Programs: Automotive Servicing (NCII), Bartending (NCII), Cookery (NCII), Consumer Electronics (NCII), Dressmaking (NCII), Food and Beverage Services (NCII), Food Processing (NCII), Gas Metal Arc Welding (NCII), Household Services (NCII), Housekeeping (NCII), Pharmacy Services (NCII), Plumbing (NCII), Shielded Metal Arc Welding (NCII).
Dr. Alto and Pn. Noor Aidi interviewing a Consumer Electronics trainee
APACC Team together with TWC’s Welding trainees
APACC Team together with Japanese Cuisine trainees
APACC Accreditors and TWC Members during the Exit Meeting
During the exit meeting on the second day, Atty. Pascua extended his appreciation to APACC and emphasized the importance of a third party audit in improving management systems and delivering programs of institutions like TESDA Women's Center. He also commended TWC for taking on the challenge of applying for APACC re-accreditation and considered the Center as a jewel that is worthy of high recognition.
TWC was re-assessed against the seven APACC accreditation criteria – Governance and Management; Teaching and Learning; Faculty and Staff; Research and Development; Extension, Consultancy and Linkages; Resources, and Support to Students. Findings of the on-site visit will be reported to the APACC Board and will be deliberated before notifying TESDA Women's Center of the results.
