TESDA alert: Don’t buy fake NCs online, elsewhere

By Jeb Israel

MANILA—In response to a growing number of incidents and public complaints, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has renewed its warning regarding the proliferation of fake National Certificates (NCs) allegedly being sold through various online platforms and other channels.

The warning follows recent reports of an individual’s arrest in Cotabato City for selling counterfeit NCs and driver’s licenses.

TESDA’s newly appointed

Director General-Secretary Suharto Mangudadatu, emphasized that authentic NCs are exclusively issued by TESDA offices to qualified individuals who have successfully passed the assessment for their respective qualifications.

These legitimate certificates remain valid for a period of five (5) years.

Under Secretary Mangudadatu’s 10-point agenda, compliance and enhanced monitoring play a vital role.

This entails regular inspections of TESDA-accredited training and assessment centers to ensure their adherence to regulations regarding program registration, assessment procedures, and certification processes.

Secretary Mangudadatu also advised certified workers and employers to verify the authenticity of NCs online.

He urged the public to report any individuals suspected of selling fake NCs to TESDA through their hotline at 8887-7777 or via SMS at 0917-4794370.

TESDA’s Registry of Certified Workers is accessible through the agency’s official website (https:// www.tesda.gov.ph/Rwac).