By Ma. Cristina Arayata/PNA
MANILA — The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Board approved on Friday the revised Dual Training System (DTS) Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), an executive told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
DTS Law (RA 7686) was signed in 1994. Since last year, TESDA has been planning to strengthen DTS in its technical-vocational (tech-voc) courses, as DTS combines theoretical training in schools and practical training in companies.
“TESDA recognizes the pivotal role that the industry plays in the development of the Filipino workforce, and would want wider participation of industries in the use of DTS as instructional delivery mode,” chief TESDA specialist Floramel Joy Songsong said.
She explained that since amending a law would entail a legislative action, the review and revision of the DTS IRR was proposed instead.
“Revising and updating some of the provisions in the IRR aim to encourage more industry participation in DTS implementation. This, therefore, will improve the employability of our tech-voc graduates,” Songsong remarked, noting that this will help the graduates to secure employment and livelihood opportunities after graduation.
Among the amendments are the following:
* Training allowance of at least 75 percent of the minimum wage will be given in full to the trainees.
* Normal number of hours in the training regulation shall be the minimum duration of training (40 percent in school, 60 percent in the company)
* Daily training hours (8 hours a day) may be rendered from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
* DTS shall be included in the scholarship programs.
Meanwhile, the TESDA Board who approved the revised DTS IRR was composed of heads of other national government agencies, representatives from labor and employers’ group, and the academe.
The revised IRR underwent public consultations before the final draft was submitted to the Board Friday for approval, Songsong said.
