Some 24 TESDA online program out-of-school youth learners from Legazpi City start training on Work-based Learning and Be your Own Boss program to help the youth acquire skills for work and business. (YDA photo)
LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY (PIA) – The city government here has strengthened partnership with the youth development stakeholders to ensure continuity of programs for the out-of-school youths (OSYs) until the next administration.
With the approved amendments on the creation of the Out of School Youth Development Alliance (OSYDA), LGU Legazpi will lead the implementation of programs under the Opportunity 2.0 project, a five-year collaborative program with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) that aims to improve the education, employment, and livelihood outcomes for the OSYs in the country.
Legazpi City is one of the 12 chosen cities in the Philippines for the program.
“Opportunity 2.0 will apply a whole-community approach to help youth and local institutions mobilize resources, networks and services to ensure that the young overcome barriers to education and employment, better access and new pathways to success,” Mayor Noel Rosal said.
The OSYDA component of the Opportunity 2.0 project, through its member agencies and organizations, leads activities to strengthen local skills development strategies and match graduates with technical skills training, education and employment opportunities.
The priorities are graduates of Department of Education Alternative Learning System (DepEd-ALS) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
“The OSYDA in Legazpi City shall formulate policies, strategies, and activities for appropriate livelihood projects and enter into an agreement to ensure institutionalization of youth programs,” Rosal said.
The city mayor has designated Mr. Roy Dimaculangan as the focal person of the project, with the Public Employment Service Office and Youth Development Office as the OSYDA secretariat.
At least 70 SK chairpersons in Legazpi City undergo orientation and planning workshop on Opportunity 2.0 youth engagement activities to reach more out-of-school youths in their barangays. (YDA photo)
As of February this year, DepEd-ALS completers have been employed after completing their Opportunity 2.0 training while TESDA online program learners under the Work-based Learning and Be Your Own Boss program will undergo hands-on training and assessment.
Sangguniang Kabataan chairpersons were also capacitated and oriented on the program’s engagement activities to reach out more OSYs in their barangays.
Youth development engagements and activities are likewise ongoing, together with other partners institutions and agencies such as the Philippine Information Agency – Albay to open opportunities and give hope for a better future for the out-of-school youths amidst the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. (SAA/PIA5/Albay)
