MAKATI CITY — The Philippine Board of Investments (BOI), in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica), conducted the Post-Implementation Review of the Industrial Competitiveness Enhancement through Industrial Human Resource Development (IHRD) Project during a coordinating meeting at the BOI Main Office on June 16.
Launched in 2019, the IHRD Project aims to enhance industrial human resource development and promote supply and value chain development (SVCD) in the Philippines. The initiative primarily targets the automotive and auto parts sectors while extending support to key related industries such as electronics, information technology, and engineering services—areas identified as key to advancing the country's long-term industrial growth and global competitiveness.
In partnership with key government agencies, the Commission on Higher Education (Ched), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), and the Department of Science and Technology – Metals Industry Research and Development Center (Dost-MIRDC), the BOI launched five pilot initiatives under the project: (1) Virtual/Hybrid Internship Program with Japanese companies for Filipino students; (2) Area-Based Demand-Driven (ABDD) Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET); (3) Strategic Business Matching; (4) Kaizen Diffusion Program; and (5) Technical Guidance for Die and Mold Technology at selected pilot companies.
As part of the project’s post-implementation phase, the BOI organized a coordination meeting between implementing partners Tesda, Ched, and Dost-MIRDC with Jica. This supports the development and refinement of improved operational models for IHRD and SVCD in collaboration with the private sector and academic institutions. Various pilot activities have been carried out under this framework to build capacity and promote sustainable industrial growth.
During the review, implementing agencies presented the outcomes of the respective pilot activities as well as feedback from stakeholders in the industry, academe, and government.
“This review allows us to reflect on our achievements, assess our approach, and identify areas for improvement,” said Fukui Keisuke, senior representative of Jica Philippines.
“As more stakeholders from the private sector and academia come on board, coordination becomes more complex, but also more essential. Effective collaboration is key to sustaining impact and unlocking future opportunities,” he added.
BOI executive director Ma. Corazon Halili-Dichosa, meanwhile, highlighted the importance of ongoing partnerships. She also emphasized that attracting investors depends not only on the workforce quality but also on strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts, such as the BOI’s partnerships with agencies. These collaborations help promote investments through different approaches, especially by aligning education and skills development with industry needs.
“The IHRD Project stands as a testament to what we can accomplish through strategic collaboration. The BOI remains fully committed to strengthening industry-academe linkages to build a globally competitive workforce,” said Halili-Dichosa. PR