MANILA, Philippines — The US government and the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) is urging Filipino youth aged 18-24 to take part in the YouthWorks PH, a five-year program that aims to help address unemployment in the country.
United States Ambassador Sung Kim yesterday led the launch of YouthWorks PH’s recruitment drive in Barangay Loyola Heights in Quezon City.
“I would like to congratulate you for taking the step toward a promising future. As a friend, partner and ally, the United States remains committed to supporting you on your journey,” Kim told approximately 500 youth participants from Quezon City and San Juan.
Launched in June 2018, YouthWorks PH is funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID). It seeks to provide life skills and employability workshops to at least 20,000 unemployed and out-of-school youth.
For the event, YouthWorks PH partnered with Punlaan School in San Juan. Punlaan School will provide at least 40 scholarships for courses in cookery and hospitality.
The launch was also attended by USAID’s Office of Education director Brian Levey, PBEd chairman Ramon del Rosario Jr., Punlaan School director Anne Marie Jacinto and Loyola Heights barangay captain Darwin Hayes.
Del Rosario said while YouthWorks PH alone could not fully address youth unemployment in the country, it can be used as a model by other organizations.
YouthWorks PH will also conduct its recruitment drive at the University of Makati on May 26; Cebu on June 13; Zamboanga City on June 20; Quezon City on July 11; Cagayan de Oro City on July 25; Iloilo on Aug. 8; Davao City on Aug. 14; General Santos City on Aug. 29 and Davao City on Sept. 12.