THE Aboitiz Group and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Thursday, May 25, 2023, in support of DOLE’s JobStart Philippines program.
The MOU was signed by DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma and Aboitiz Group President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sabin Aboitiz at the Aboitiz Group office in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
The Aboitiz Group was identified by DOLE as a strategic partner in the implementation of their JobStart Philippines program, which aims to shorten the job search period of young Filipinos who are not in education, employment, or training (youth NEET) by providing them with career coaching, life skills and technical training, and paid internships with major employers.
“Partnership lies at the core of JobStart. A full implementation cycle begins and ends with strengthening its relationship with partner employers that facilitate the most crucial stages of a new jobseeker’s path to productive and decent employment. That is why, as we conduct today’s monumental event, I express my gratitude to Aboitiz Equity Ventures for choosing to take part in the Department’s mission of economic development by improving the employability of young Filipinos and shortening their job search period,” said Laguesma.
“Young Filipinos, nowadays, all over the country have this distinct hunger and insatiable quest for learning and new experiences, and this is what drives us to constantly push the boundaries of the program’s coverage through purpose-driven initiatives. With business units in six of the biggest sectors in the country, I am confident that this partnership [with the Aboitiz Group] will help foster JobStart Philippines’ advocacy to promote and improve the security of our youth’s future,” he added.
As the Aboitiz Group undergoes its Great Transformation to become the Philippines’ first Techglomerate, it is leveraging technology and innovation to find better ways of advancing businesses and communities. This has gotten the Group the notice of the public as a partner of choice in modernizing communities, including working with the public sector to ensure the Filipino youth are future-ready for the work of today and tomorrow.
"In investing in our nation's youth, we are investing in the future of the Philippines. The Aboitiz Group is committed to this partnership, firmly believing that every young Filipino should be equipped with the right tools, training, and opportunities to thrive in today’s world. This partnership is not just about meeting immediate employment needs; it's about fostering an environment where our youth can flourish, innovate, and drive the nation forward," said Aboitiz.
Under JobStart, beneficiaries undergo a full-cycle employment facilitation program that begins with DOLE career coaching and life skills training to prepare the youth for the workforce. Afterward, they are referred to strategic partners, including the Aboitiz Group, for technical training for up to three months and conducive paid internships for two to three months.
The implementation of the JobStart program was institutionalized under Republic Act 10869, or the JobStart Philippines Act, enacted on June 29, 2016. Since then, there have been around 29,000 beneficiaries of the program nationwide.
The local government unit (LGU)-based Public Employment Service Office (Peso) implements the program. As of April 2023, the program already has 52 partner LGUs nationwide, 16 of which are implementing this year. (PR)