The Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) announced Tuesday that the US government is investing an additional P228 million to provide free skills-based and work-based training to unemployed and out-of-school Filipino youth through YouthWorks PH.
The added funding will extend YouthWorks PH program, the private sector-driven employability partnership between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Pbed for another 3 years, until 2026.
“Investing in our youth is investing in our country’s success. Through YouthWorks PH, the youth—especially those who are not in education, employment or training—are empowered with the right skills needed for their employment,” said PBEd chair Ramon R. Del Rosario Jr. said.
“With the help of our partners, we are able to provide work-based training, enhance their employability and help them get back on track,” he added.
US Embassy deputy chief of mission Heather Variava said the US government recognize the commitment and creativity of the Philippine government and private sector partners in spearheading initiatives to further enhance technical-vocational skills training in the Philippines.
“The US government is proud to invest in the Filipino youth. Together with PBEd, we are providing training opportunities that will lead them to employment so they can provide for themselves and contribute positively to society,” Variava said.
To date, the partnership between USAID and PBEd has provided more than 13,000 work-based training positions with industry partners, leading to the placement of close to 4,000 youth who are not in education, employment, or training.
Initially implemented in 5 main areas – Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, General Santos, Greater Manila Area, and Zamboanga – the program has also expanded its geographic reach to 5 additional sites in Agusan del Sur, Bohol, Northern Cebu, Sarangani and South Cotabato.
YouthWorks PH recently held its first-ever “Skills Partnerships Summit” held in Taguig City on October 8, 2022.
With the theme “Back on Track: Paving the Path to Prosperity with a Skilled Young Workforce,” the summit gathered the Philippines’ top business leaders and national and local government officials to discuss partnership strategies for the skills development of the Filipino youth.
YouthWorks PH project partners McDonald’s Philippines, Amazon Web Services, Banco de Oro Unibank Inc., Proudcloud, and Launchgarage Innovation Hub will contribute nearly P54 million worth of support to the training needs of at least 5,600 youth around the country.