Partnership between Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and WomenbizPH

December 8, 2023

In a pivotal step towards empowering Filipino women artisans and preserving cultural heritage, the Women’s Business Council Philippines (Womenbizph) has forged a groundbreaking partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Spearheaded by Secretary Suharto Mangudadatu with the TESDA Women’s Center, this collaboration aims to revolutionize the traditional art of handloom weaving within the creative industries.

The primary focus of this partnership is the review and enhancement of modules and competencies for handloom weaving. The goal is to embrace various facets of this craft, encompassing upright weaving, beadwork, basket making, bamboo production, and other traditional skills. This comprehensive approach seeks to equip women with a diverse skill set, broadening their opportunities within the creative industry. In addition, to increase the number of assessors of the Handloom Weaving Industry NC II.

Central to this initiative is to promote the Handloom NC II certification program. The joint effort between Womenbizzph and TESDA aims to develop a portfolio-based certification that recognizes the proficiency of artisans in these specific disciplines. This certification program will serve as a testament to their skill mastery and contribute to their professional advancement within the industry.

An innovative addition to the program involves the inclusion of cultural masters as trainers. These masters, designated as TM (Training Masters), will impart their invaluable knowledge and expertise to the aspiring artisans, ensuring the preservation of cultural authenticity in their craft. This step not only ensures skills transfer but also serves to honor and sustain the legacy of traditional weaving techniques