The Iloilo Provincial Government will work with the Philippine Business for Education (PBeD) to train and upskill Ilonggo youth for future jobs.
This after Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. and PBeD Executive Director Justine Raagas signed a memorandum of understanding on the implementation of JobsNext program.
JobsNext is a multi-stakeholder program aimed at addressing the skills gap in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, and green skills for youth aged 18-24.
JobsNext, a multi-stakeholder program aimed at addressing the skills gap in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, and green skills for youth aged 18-24, will be implemented by the Provincial Public Employment Service Office (PESO).
Through this partnership, the Iloilo Provincial Government and PBeD will share data, coordinate projects, involve local companies and schools, promote activities, and develop policies to expand youth skills training.
Under the program, identified beneficiaries will undergo free training in foundational skills and advanced learning tracks. Specialized programs are also available for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Raagas explained that the partnership is an opportunity for local government units to invest in programs that are beneficial for their cities and provinces.
“We want to get local governments to invest in education.”
“We want to get local governments to invest in education,” he stressed.
Defensor welcomed the program’s implementation in the province and aims to develop collaboration with PBeD to address the growing demands of industries in Iloilo, particularly in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector.
“We are very much interested in aligning our tertiary education with industry needs,” the governor said.
The signing ceremony was attended by Board Member Jason Gonzales, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President Esara Javier, Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, and academe and industry partners.
