PASIG CITY, 18 March 2025 – Growing up in a family of farmers in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, Janet Famoso decided to pursue Organic Agriculture Production NC II to improve her family’s farm and contribute to her community.

On February 25, 2025, she successfully earned her certification, bringing her closer to her dream of becoming a licensed agriculturist.

A graduating Grade 12 student of Paloypoy Integrated Farm School, Janet is one of the beneficiaries of the free National Certification (NC) assessment offered by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to Senior High School (SHS) and Alternative Learning System (ALS) learners in the Technical-Vocational Livelihood (TVL) track.

“Nakadagdag ginhawa po sa akin ang free assessment na ito dahil hindi na po nahirapan ang aking mga magulang sa paghahanap ng malaking halaga upang pambayad sa training at assessment,” she said.

Since its launch, participation in the free NC assessment program has significantly increased, allowing more SHS TVL learners to validate their skills and enhance their employability. As of February 28, 2025, around 54,694 out of 62,578 learners received their certifications, reflecting a stronger push toward competency-based qualifications.

The most in-demand certifications during this period included Computer Systems Servicing NC II, Bread and Pastry Production NC II, Cookery NC II, Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II, and Food and Beverage Services NC II—highlighting the diverse career pathways available to SHS learners.

Making NC Assessment Accessible

Aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s commitment to improving the employability of SHS graduates, the initiative helps learners obtain a TESDA NC, which is recognized by industries in and out of the country. The certification validates their skills, competencies, and expertise in the field, boosting their chances of securing a job and providing a competitive edge for those seeking employment abroad.

In the past, assessment participation has remained low due to the financial burden of the exam fees, which range from P1,000 to P5,000. Certification rates among SHS-TVL graduates for School Years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 were only 25.7% and 6.8%, respectively, underscoring the financial obstacles many students face in accessing these opportunities.

Consultations by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) also highlighted the low assessment rate for SHS-TVL students, as well as the need for increased funding to cover their assessments and certifications. EDCOM 2 Commissioners were instrumental in the insertion of the certification in the General Appropriations Act for FY 2024.

In June 2024, TESDA and DepEd signed a Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) to provide free NC assessments for SHS-TVL learners through TESDA’s Regulatory Program.

“Sa tulong ng TESDA, libre na po at mas accessible ang pagkuha ng assessment para sa national certificates ng ating tech-voc learners. Magbubukas ito ng maraming career opportunity at matutulungan silang makakuha ng maayos na trabaho,” Sec. Angara said.

A total of P438.16 million was allocated for the project in 2024, covering the NC assessments and the free accreditation of DepEd personnel as assessors. The program also received additional funding in the FY 2025 GAA to sustain these efforts.

“In today’s evolving job market, skilled workers have gained the edge. Tech-voc thus offers a viable pathway to gainful employment. Kaya hinihikayat ko ang mga Senior High School learners na magpa-assess para makakuha ng National Certificate,“ explained Sec. Kiko Benitez, Director General of TESDA

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