QUEZON CITY (PIA) --The United States government, in partnership with the Department of
Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Public Employment Service
Office (PESO) - Pasig, held a knowledge-sharing forum among business leaders today to tackle training
and employment programs for young Pasigueños.

Organized by the USAID Opportunity 2.0 program, the forum titled, “PasiGen Z: In Leaps and Bounds,”
gathered 74 representatives, government officials, and youth to strengthen multisectoral partnerships
and promote the importance of having an adaptive workforce in Pasig City, including Gen Z youth, the
latest entrants to the labor market.

DTI introduced its programs to promote youth participation in the labor force and entrepreneurial
activities including the Young Entrepreneurship Program. Meanwhile, DOLE and PESO facilitated
discussions on existing projects for youth seeking employment opportunities such as the Special Program
of the Employment of Students and the Government Internship Program.

The Pasig Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. also shared best practices in the business industry
and some ways forward to support budding entrepreneurs. Junior Chamber International - Ortigas also
brought up possible opportunities that its members can provide to the youth.

Pasig City Councilor Simon Romulo Tantoco, who personally graced the event, assured the city
government is closely collaborating with different sectors to strengthen systems that support the
employability of young Pasigueños.

“Yes, you may have come from being an out-of-school youth, pero kayo, pinili niyong magsipag, pinili
niyong magtiyaga, at naniniwala ako (you chose to be diligent, you persevered, and I believe that) with
this kind of mindset, you will be able to achieve what you want to achieve,” he told the youth.

Meanwhile, Opportunity 2.0 Chief of Party Dr. David Hall stressed the importance of the private sector,
government, and youth groups working together to strengthen mechanisms that will lead to the
long-term career success of Gen Z out-of-school youth, known as digital natives who possess natural grit.

“Over 4 million out-of-school youth in the Philippines represent a huge underserved and underutilized
part of the nation’s human capital,” Hall said. “The USAID

Opportunity 2.0 program brings together all
interested stakeholders to provide second-chance opportunities for these youth. This is not only
government and education partners but includes youth organizations and, crucially, private sector.”

“By providing work immersion, employment, and even self-employment opportunities, employers
provide a vital link in helping these youth through this difficult time in their lives and on to fulfilling and
rewarding careers,” he added.

USAID Opportunity 2.0 program works in 15 cities nationwide to strengthen services for out-of-school
youth and bridge them to second-chance opportunities in education, employment, and
entrepreneurship. The program encourages local businesses to open their doors to upskilled
out-of-school youth as part of the future workforce.

Implemented by U.S.-based Education Development Center, with partners Philippine Business for
Education, Accenture, Catholic Relief Services, Voluntary Services Overseas, and SEAMEO INNOTECH, the
program aims to work with over 2,200 employers and at least 50 education or training institutions. (pr)