Training center for Mindanao youth built

MANILA, Philippines — Hundreds of disadvantaged and out-of-school youth in Mindanao are expected to benefit from a new technical-vocational training center built by BDO Foundation at the Don Bosco Training Center (DBTC) in Mati City, Davao Oriental. The construction of the building and the provision of tools and equipment for the training of students were made possible by donations from BDO employees.

Located in Barangay Dahican, the two-story structure was turned over to school administrators and students in an event led by BDO Foundation president Mario Deriquito, program director Rose Espinosa and BDO Davao-Mati branch head Gail Lawas. The facility was accepted by the Salesian Society of St. John Bosco represented by Cebu Province provincial superior Fr. Godofredo Atienza, DBTC-Mati training director Fr. Rex Carbilledo and rector Fr. Rey Jude Albarando.

“We Salesians work hard, but we know that without the assistance of others, we could only go so far. We are grateful to people who have a heart for the needy. Thank you BDO family for your support. You have given us Salesians not only the reassurance that God never abandons us. You have also given hope to hundreds, even thousands, of youth in Mindanao.”

In the next three years, around 560 senior high school students from Don Bosco and neighboring public high schools are expected to learn technical-vocational skills through workshops conducted in the new facility. Graduates of DBTC-Mati are hired by some of the biggest industries and companies in the country.

The construction of the tech-voc center in Mati is in keeping with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal no. 8 to promote sustained economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Through this corporate citizenship initiative, BDO Foundation hopes to contribute to the mission of Don Bosco to capacitate students and make them employable in the Philippines and abroad.