Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, Jose Miguel Habana and Dr. Cristina Orbecido (l-r) cut the ribbon at the launching of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) computer shared laboratory*
The Negros Occidental provincial government launched the first International English Language Testing System (IELTS) computer shared laboratory in the Visayas at its Negros Occidental Language and Information Technology Center (NOLITC) in Bacolod City on Thursday, September 22.
The IELTS shared laboratory will be operated by NOLITC in partnership with IDP Philippines.
“We are proud to open the first shared lab in the Visayas that will provide computer-delivered IELTS exams,” Lacson said.
This development, which makes IELTS more accessible, will greatly aid Negrenses, and those from nearby provinces, in the pursuit of their study, work, or migration goals, he said.
“Education remains to be our top priority. We will continue to expand our education related programs to make it more inclusive and accessible to all sectors, particularly the underprivileged,” Lacson added.
More than three million IELTS tests are administered each year, which are accepted by more than 11,000 organizations in over 140 countries, Jose Miguel Habana, IDP Philippines country director, said.
These include universities, schools, training colleges and tertiary institutes, government departments and agencies, professional and industry bodies, and companies and employers, he said.
IELTS is the only high stakes test that can be taken on paper, on computer, and online, he said.
“ELTS on computer offers a convenient way of completing the reading, listening and writing parts of the test using a computer, together with the Video Call Speaking test with an IELTS examiner, allowing test takers to complete the entire test in only one day,” Habana said.
Test takers can also enjoy faster release of test results in just three to five days and enjoy more testing schedules to choose from, he added.
He said the number of those taking the tests have increased by 8 to 10 percent as people resume pursuing their overseas aspirations with borders opening up, post the COVID-19 pandemic.
The examination fee is about P12,000, Habana said.
Dr. Cristina Orbecido, NOLITC vocational administrator, said the CD-IELTS will serve Negrenses and residents of the Visayas who want to study, work or migrate to Australia and other countries that require language proficiency.
NOLITC provides free IELTS reviews for Negrenses, Orbecido said.
Negros Occidental Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz pointed out that work is now ongoing for the NOLITC Global Campus in Talisay City for even better, safer and happier learning spaces for students.*