2008-09-05 10:00:57 - ILOILO. TESDA shuts down 12 English schools in Iloilo over no registration

Twelve schools offering English language proficiency courses to Korean students are facing closure upon the order of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) here.

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The schools based in Iloilo have failed to have themselves accredited with TESDA, said Provincial Director Lorena Yunque.

The schools include the A+ English Academy, Educ Language School, Dream

Language Center, Metro Korea, GLS in Iloilo, Darroca Training Center, Eliteline Learning Center, Educommunication, Athena English Language Center, Paran English Learning Center, EME International Language Center; and Hello World Learning Services.

According to Yunque, in October 5, 2004, TESDA entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Bureau of Immigration, Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on the ESL Tour Program - a program for intensive English language training.

The MOA requires mandatory Unified TVET (Technical, Vocational, Educational and Training) Program Registration and Accreditation System (UTPRAS) with TESDA for ESL programs and language training centers.

The MOA seeks to regulate the increasing number of English language centers, schools, camps, or academies operating in Iloilo and the country in general.