DTI, Unilab Foundation, MBC to train workers for manufacturing sector
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Unilab Foundation (ULF) and the Makati Business Club (MBC) to strengthen the Philippine workforce to respond to the needs of the industry, specifically in the manufacturing sector.
The MOU signing on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at the Board of Investments was spearheaded by the Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Development Alliance (AMDev), a five-year program implemented by the ULF and funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
In his speech, DTI Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual emphasized that the recently inked partnership aims to enhance employment, reduce unemployment and underemployment, and accelerate human capital development in the Philippines.
“By leveraging these partnerships, we can harness the collective knowledge, resources, and expertise of both sectors to provide our workers with the skills and training they need,” Pascual said.
“This not only equip our workforce to remain globally competitive but also empowers them to excel in the face of rapid technological changes,” he added.
Further, he highlighted that the initiative is aimed at empowering Filipino workers and positioning them to be globally competitive and future-ready.
He also added that pursuing strategic alliances prepares the nation’s workforce for the challenges and opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Pascual explained that the memorandum signed will be pivotal in advancing the Department’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI)-driven Industrialization Strategy.
He cited that the partnership with AMDev is poised to accelerate digital transformation, enhance human capital through upskilling and reskilling, and provide workers with valuable skills for an ever-evolving job market.
Further, he emphasized that this initiative goes beyond generating employment opportunities and provides an avenue to nurture economic growth, alleviate poverty, and facilitate the creation of robust and vibrant communities.
Pascual recognized the collaboration with AMDev as a commitment to enhancing the country’s manufacturing industry through a collaborative and forward-thinking approach to workforce development that acknowledges the transformative power of public-private partnerships.
With the strategic cooperation in momentum, Pascual presented plans to formulate the Philippine Skills Framework (PSF) for manufacturing, expressing commitment to advancing the AMDev Program through active engagement and close partnership with ULF and MBC in shaping policies and advocating for advanced manufacturing workforce development.
To ensure the sustainability of the program, Pascual also vowed to work closely with AMDev in forming an Advanced Manufacturing Skills Council (AMSC) that will ensure the effective development of advanced manufacturing skills.
AMDev, an industry-led alliance, aims to upskill and reskill incoming and existing workforce to meet the demands of the manufacturing sector in the Philippines through collaborating with government agencies, manufacturing companies, schools, and private organizations to streamline efforts and establish long-term projects.