U.S. invests P228 million in Out-of-School Youth training, employment

THE U.S. government is investing an additional Php 228 million ($3.8 million) to provide free skills-based and work-based training to unemployed and out-of-school Filipino youth through YouthWorks PH.

McDonald’s Philippines President and CEO Kenneth Yang, U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Heather Variava, PBEd Executive Director Love Basillote, McDonald’s Vice President for the Human Capital Group, Franchising, and Restaurant Support Group Rebecca Roselada, and USAID Mission Director Ryan Washburn attend the YouthWorks PH Skills Partnerships Summit.

The YouthWorks PH, a private sector-driven employability partnership between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd), said the additional funding extends its program for another three years, to be completed in 2026. 

U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Heather Variava commended the commitment and creativity of government and private sector partners in spearheading initiatives to further enhance technical-vocational skills training in the Philippines.  “The U.S. 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,” said Variava.  

“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. With the help of our partners, we are able to provide work-based training, enhance their employability and help them get back on track,” said PBEd Chairman Ramon Del Rosario Jr. 

To date, the partnership between USAID and PBEd has provided more than 13,000 work-based training positions with its industry partners, leading to the placement of close to 4,000 youth who are not in education, employment, or training.  

Initially implemented in five main areas - Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, General Santos, Greater Manila Area, and Zamboanga - the program has also expanded its geographic reach to five additional sites, Agusan del Sur, Bohol, Northern Cebu, Sarangani, and South Cotabato. 

During the event, USAID and PBEd also welcomed industry giants as new YouthWorks PH project partners: McDonald’s Philippines, Amazon Web Services, Banco de Oro Unibank Inc., Proudcloud, and Launchgarage.  The partnership will contribute nearly P54 million ($915,000) worth of support to the training needs of at least 5,600 youth around the country. (Mindanao Examiner)