The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

Opportunity 2.0, in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Public Employment Service Office – Tagbilaran, convened 129 Boholano business owners and industry leaders last March 21 for a forum aimed at addressing today’s business challenges.

The forum titled, “Empowering Employers: On Labor Standards, Occupational Safety, and the Role of an Upskilled Workforce,” tackled the importance of enforcing labor standards and having a safer and equitable working environment for the future workforce, including the youth. DOLE gave a series of talks to ensure fair working conditions for their employees. Meanwhile, Opportunity 2.0 spearheaded the discussion on integrating the youth, particularly the upskilled Gen Z out-of-school youth, as part of the workforce that could drive business growth due to their natural grit and vast understanding of the digital world. The talk also touched on how businesses play a crucial role in empowering out-of-school youth to enhance their employability so they can uplift their lives and fulfill their career aspirations.

Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Censoria Yap, who personally graced the event, assured that the city government is closely collaborating with the private sector to provide more jobs. “I also like to assure you that the city government is doing its best in recognizing the efforts of our beloved private sector,” Yap said. “Ang ating pagtagad sa ating gobyerno (The way we approach the people in our government) is always a business-like approach because we have seen the development of Tagbilaran, not just in terms of the number of business establishments, but definitely in terms of projects and programs that we have given to them.”

Opportunity 2.0 Chief of Party David Hall stressed the importance of youth organizations, private sector, and government working together to support upskilled youth who are just starting their careers. “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. 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.

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