TAGUIG CITY -- More Filipino trainees and workers from the Heating, Ventilation, and Air conditioning (HVAC) sector are about to benefit from more modernized facilities about to be established here inside the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Complex.

It was after TESDA Secretary Isidro Lapeña and Daikin President Takayoshi Miki officially signed today a Memorandum of Agreement ( MOA ) in a ceremony held here at the TESDA Women's Center which was witnessed by the Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Kazuhiko Koshikawa, TESDA Deputy Director General for TESD Operations Lina Sarmiento, TESDA Deputy Director General for Partnerships and Linkages Aniceto Bertiz III, and TESDA-NCR Regional Director Florencio Sunico, Jr.

TESDA, as part of the agreement, will provide a building inside the TESDA complex that Daikin will transform into a state-of-the-art HVAC Center through developing and implementing higher-level qualification training programs to produce individuals who are skilled in Air-condition installation and servicing.

Secretary Lapeña cited the three important objectives of the signed MOA - upskill the whole Philippine Air conditioning Industry; increase the number of installers; and to update the latest technology.

"By upskilling our countrymen, the higher quality of work in both installation and servicing will be guaranteed. Increasing the number of capable installers is also the key to serve the untapped market. We can also take advantage of the latest energy-efficient technology," he said.

The TESDA Chief also thanked Daikin for the opportunity and the Japanese Government for its all-out support to the partnership.

Meanwhile, Mr. Miki described the MOA signing as a big step forward for Daikin having TESDA as its partner.

"From now on, we will work with TESDA to develop the latest installation training program and make it mandatory national certification, and also renovate TESDA training facilities as well as provide trainees with high-quality installation tools," he assured.

Ambassador Koshikawa also noted how TESDA and Daikin Philippines devote themselves to investing in the capability of the Filipino workforce.

"The establishment of this joint training program for Filipino air condition installers and technicians comes at a very opportuned time. It will aid in retooling of many Filipino workers and serve to fill in the gap in the labor market. I sincerely congratulate TESDA and Daikin Philippines on successfully forging this partnership," he said.

The Japanese company allotted a maximum of four months to convert the building into an innovation site. After the renovation, the public can expect a new Training Regulation in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, as well as the modernized venue for training, not just for new learners, but also for professionals who want to upgrade their existing skills.

This project of the TESDA Regional Training Center - NCR with Daikin will soon be adapted by other regions. (TESDA)