VP Leni: Address job-skills mismatch

The lingering mismatch between a jobseeker’s acquired skills and the demand of the labor market must be addressed because while jobs are available, new graduates and applicants are not equipped with the needed skills and competencies, said. Vice President (VP) Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo.

The Vice President delivered a keynote message during the 43rd Philippines Business Conference (PBC) at the Manila Hotel, where she discussed the consultations her office conducted to bridge gaps between livelihood and employment.

The PBC convened local, national and global leaders from business and government to further look into ways of creating a more competitive business and investment environment.

“Our educational system and training resources do not meet the needs of our growing business community,” Robredo stressed.

“What were the solutions that we saw? One is to use the senior high school program to expand employment. Roughly 40 percent of senior high school students in the public sector are involved in technical skills,” she said.

Along with this, the Vice President pressed for the creation of inclusive business models that “do not just enlarge our economic pie, but also divide it fairly.”

She likewise mentioned the strides taken by her flagship project, Angat Buhay, which has extended assistance to 153 communities and 83,000 families.