Business groups will launch a refreshed program that aims to create a million jobs per year.
Perry Ferrer, vice president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), told reporters the group, along with the Employers Confederation of the Philippines Inc.
and the Philippine Exporters Confederation and other industry groups, have partnered with government agencies and the academe in rolling out a sustainable JOBS (job opportunities, building skills) program.
Ferrer said unlike the previous initiative which covered only the year 2021, this new JOBS program will be multi-year, multi-administration and will focus not just on creating jobs but also in upskilling workers to meet the demands of future-ready industries.
A memorandum of understanding will be signed by the business groups and government agencies as well as the academe/ training institutes in time for Labor Day on May 1.
Other business groups involved in the initiative are the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries of the Philippines Inc., the IT Business Process Association of the Philippines and the Philippine Constructors Association.
“This is a private sector led, very aggressive program on generating employment,” said Ferrer.
“We are pushing for investments that will create jobs. We are trying to attract investments in future technology to force (workers) to upskill themselves,” said Ferrer.
He added PCCI is collaborating with government and international partners in four First World countries in attracting such investments.
The PCCI is actively engaged in the United States Agency for International Development- Supporting the Policy Enabling Environment for Development (USAID SPEED) on capacity building, digitalization and fintech. Upcoming programs include talent pipeline management, including the use of artificial intelligence.
