TESDA issues warning to OPAs

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Lucita S. Lazo in a letter to the Philippine Entertainment Exporters and Promoters Association (PEEPA) has warned applicants for overseas performing artists (OPAs) to be extra careful in dealing with agents claiming to be able to process their documentation requirements for skills testing and eventual deployment overseas.

Speaking in the morning radio program, "Sa TESDA May Pag-asa Ka," Lazo said she has not accredited any agency to conduct skills testing for OPAs on behalf of TESDA nor has DOLE Secretary Patricia A. Sto. Tomas authorized anyone or any agent to issue artist record books (ARBs). Lazo’s statement was issued in the light of a temporary suspension of TESDA processing in keeping with a permanent injunction issued on March 20 by Judge Lucas Bersamin of Quezon City. The TESDA suspension of processing covers skills testing for OPAs and issuance of ARBs; registration programs for OPAs and accreditation of training centers.

Lazo also issued the statement to deny announcements by some sectors of the entertainment industry that OPA processing has resumed under the supervision of a promoters group. She said OPA documents registered under this private-sector-led undertaking are not recognized by TESDA, POEA or the Japanese Embassy. She said government agencies like TESDA and POEA are the only ones authorized to process the documentary requirements of OPAs which are in turn honored by the Japanese government.

Lazo advised OPAs and applicants to wait until the resumption of operations in both TESDA and POEA. The solicitor general has filed a petition for certiorari for the issuance of a restraining order now pending before the Supreme Court.