On March 30-31, 2015, another milestone for TESDA in technical vocational education was launched – the 1st Virtual Assistants Annual Regional Convention held in Davao City. I’ts a collaboration between Knights of Online Marketers (KOM) and IP Summit 2015 at TESDA Theatre KorPhil Training Center, with the theme “Weaving Together to The Fabric of Building The Success of Online Businesses.” It was a two – day convention with speakers showcasing different scopes of Virtual Assistance, how to be employed as a Virtual Assistant, tips to getting high- paying online jobs and the Do’s and Dont’s in working as VA.
In the recent years, vast growth of Virtual Assistance profession became known to some, but still many have misunderstood this job title. Through the initiative of Ronald “Piper” Ramboanga, a certified VA, one of the pioneers in the industry here in Davao and in the Philippines, and founder of Knights of Online Marketers; with the support of Mr. Madeo Valdez, Center Administrator for TESDA Region XI and Mr. Mario Dela Cerna, Head Trainer of Information Processing Region XI, ICT, DTI and 2nd District Councilor Marissa Abella, the convention has successfully opened the consciousness of the people for Virtual Assistant as a profession and not as a subsidiary.
After the successful event, a follow through will be held annually to expand the industry. This convention has opened another opportunity for the jobless Filipinos, especially to those who wish to work abroad but doesn’t have the money to pay for placement fee, as virtual assistants earn dollars on an hourly basis. Just like a typical OFW.
Mr. Dela Cerna stressed out that he sought seriousness in promoting VA training on Facebook by Piper Ramboanga, providing inspiration to individuals who look towards career advancement. Piper even extended his advocacy to helping out-of-school-youth and differently abled persons, usually referred to as Persons With Disabilities (PWD) to have a future in working online. Mr. Dela Cerna had an idea of welcoming it to TESDA, same as how they have collaborated with Sutherland Global Services way back in 2006 to revive the business, which unfortunately has been ceased due to the change in management. He affirmed that TESDA will continuously bring trends of ICT to their students, as it is a very broad scope for IP or Information Processing.
As part of the IT department of the city council, Councilor Abella then added that this new opportunity will address the massive unemployment in the country and in Davao Region, providing high salaries and benefits to the hardworking Filipinos. As TESDA sustain its support to the Information Technology-Business Process Management, scholarships will be provided for VA training under the IP Department.
To give an inspiration, here’s a sneak peek of KOM’s first batch of graduates from their 12-Course Integrated Comprehensive Virtual Assistant Training and Coaching Program.
