TAGUIG CITY -- Another Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) partnership bears fruit that will benefit the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Industry of the country.

Following the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the agency and Daikin Philippines last July 15 this year, the Building 7 here inside the TESDA Complex has now transformed into a state-of-the-art TESDA-Daikin HVAC Training Center.

The 900-square meter facility, which has three training areas, two lecture rooms, two storage rooms, an office area, and a meeting room, is part of the signed agreement.

Apart from the renovation, Daikin Philippines also provided modern training tools and equipment that will be initially used in the 11-day trainers' training in January next year which will be participated by trainers coming from CALABARZON, the National Capital Region, and TESDA Central Office's General Services Division.

In his speech, TESDA Secretary Isidro Lapeña emphasized the relevance of the partnership with Daikin especially that HVAC Training is one of the in-demand training courses in TESDA.

"It is only proper to provide our HVAC Trainees with facilities that will not only help them acquire and develop new skills, but also give them a comprehensive learning experience," he said.

He also expressed his gratitude to Daikin President Takayoshi Miki as the company will soon share its advanced knowledge, skills and expertise to the Filipino learners.

Lapeña also congratulated Deputy Director General for TESD Operations Lina Sarmiento who is also the Chairperson of TESDA-NCR TESD Techno-hub and Knowledge Resource Center; and TESDA-NCR Regional Director Florencio Sunico, Jr. who is leading TESDA in carrying out the agency's commitment in the partnership.

Sunico on his part, assured that the HVAC sector not only in Metro Manila, but also in other regions of the country, will have a new home inside the TESDA Complex.

He added that the Regional Training Center - NCR will offer the Domestic Refrigeration and Airconditioning (DOMRAC) NCII and Commercial Air Conditioning Installation and Servicing NC III starting in the first quarter of 2022.

Meanwhile, Mr. Miki believes that Filipinos will greatly benefit from this partnership.

"Regardless of the role they play, be it as a consumer, or a potential job-seeker, this will really be a big help. As a consumer, they would be able to enjoy reduced energy usage that will convert into savings. Whilst as an installer of split type air conditioners, they would be able to earn a better living through installations and workmanship that were not required when using window type units. More importantly, Filipinos trained under the new NCIII program will be regarded as highly-skilled aircon workers when seeking employment abroad," he said.

TESDA-Daikin HVAC Center will also host the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Servicing skill area of the Philippine National Skills Competition on December 13 - 17, 2021. (TESDA)