More than 300 industry leaders in the Philippines have joined a United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-led virtual summit to tackle how Filipino youth can help businesses thrive amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the theme “Investing in the Youth: Opening Doors for the New Workforce,” the summit underscored the crucial role of businesses in youth and workforce development at both the local and national levels.
The event is part of USAID’s five-year, P1.9-billion Opportunity 2.0 project designed to strengthen programs and mechanisms that work to improve the education, employment, and livelihood outcomes for Filipino out-of-school youth.
USAID Philippines Acting Deputy Mission Director Jeff Goebel cited the importance of public-private collaboration as key to developing and empowering out-of-school youth.
“They are an untapped resource that can propel industries forward,” he said.
Held on Monday, Sept. 27, the summit focused on concrete steps for multi-sectoral collaboration, including youth training and mentorship, work immersion and hiring, and aligning second-chance education and technical and vocational education and training with industry needs.
Those who attended the virtual event were representing industry associations, chambers of commerce, business owners, and managers from at least 12 cities across the country, namely Angeles City, Valenzuela City, Quezon City, Legazpi City, Cebu City, Tagbilaran City, Davao City, General Santos City, Cotabato City, Cagayan De Oro City, Isabela City, and Zamboanga City.
The summit discussions centered on concrete steps for multi-sectoral collaboration, including youth training and mentorship, work immersion and hiring, and aligning second-chance education and technical and vocational education and training with industry needs.
The U.S.-based Education Development Center, the Department of Education ALS, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Accenture, Philippine Business for Education, Catholic Relief Services, Voluntary Services Overseas, and SEAMEO INNOTECH co-implemented the program.