BUTUAN CITY — The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has officially recognized the Butuan City School of Arts and Trades (BCSAT) as the first Department of Education (DepEd) Assessment Center for Food and Beverage Services (FBS) NC II in both the city division and Agusan del Norte. The accreditation was formally awarded during the presentation of the Certificate of Accreditation on May 4. The initiative seeks to broaden access to assessment and certification opportunities for senior high school students under the technical-vocational-livelihood (TVL) track, enabling them to obtain industry-recognized credentials before completing their studies.
Bringing Skills Certification Closer to Butuan Learners
According to the TESDA Caraga Regional Director, the establishment of the new assessment center enables in-school assessment and certification, making TESDA services more readily available to students while eliminating the additional travel expenses previously faced by learners from areas outside the city.
The National Certificates (NCs) earned through the program are recognized locally and internationally, giving graduates a stronger advantage when pursuing employment opportunities in hotels, restaurants, cruise ships, tourism establishments, and other sectors within the hospitality industry. TESDA emphasized that globally recognized skills certifications continue to create employment pathways for Filipinos seeking overseas opportunities, particularly in countries with increasing demand for skilled workers in hospitality and food services.
Supporting the Rising Demand for Skilled Filipino Workers
The accreditation comes at a time when demand for skilled Filipino professionals abroad remains strong. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) show that an estimated 2.19 million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were employed abroad in 2024, reflecting a 1.5 percent increase from the 2.16 million recorded in the previous year.
The figures underscore the continuing global demand for Filipino talent, especially in the hospitality, tourism, and food service sectors. For individuals who earn the Food and Beverage Services (FBS) NC II certification, opportunities are available in hotels, restaurants, resorts, cruise lines, and other hospitality-related industries overseas, where Filipino workers continue to be recognized for their professionalism and high standards of service.
