PEPT Successfully Implemented in Hong Kong

08 December 2005

One hundred fifty six OFWs braved the cold weather of Hong Kong on 4 December in order to get to Bayanihan Centre by 7:00 in the morning for the first Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT) for Secondary Level. 

The PEPT was administered and supervised by Dr. Nelia V. Benito, Director of the National Education Testing and Research Center (NETRC) of the Department of Education. 

The tests, administered with different time allotments, were completed at about 5:00 p.m.

The Philippine Consulate General, Mrs. Lolita Brana, President of the National Organization of Professional Teachers (NOPT), the Hong Kong Bayanihan Trust and Filcom volunteers provided support and assistance during the examination.  Defending Family Values Foundation, Inc., and First Metro International Investment Co. Ltd.  also provided support for the examinees.

The PEPT is a battery of academic tests used to assess the basic learning skills and competencies in various areas of endeavor which are given credit for academic equivalences as a means of recognizing learnings acquired outside the formal school system covering five (5) subject areas:  Communication Arts (English);  Sining ng Komunikasyon (Filipino); Mathematics; Araling Panlipunan or Social Studies and Science.

The PEPT is a special form of educational assistance instituted by the Department of Education which gives recognition to the value and potential of learning gained outside of the formal school system and accredits out-of-school work with examination and shall give credits for such capabilities and skills which are learned.  This program enables Overseas Filipino Workers to upgrade their academic level (elementary or secondary), for re-entry into formal school, job entry, job promotion and also self-fulfillment. 

Dr. Benito expressed support to institutionalize the PEPT in Hong Kong and to conduct the examination every first week of December each year.   Prospective applicants are thankful  that DepEd is providing such an opportunity.

Considering its value and significance on the lives of the OFWs, the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong has recommended to the Department of Foreign Affairs that more support be given to the project to enable its regular implementation in Hong Kong.