USAid launches out-of-school youth program in Pasig City

THE United States Agency for International Development (USAid) has launched a program to address the education, employment and livelihood needs of out-of-school youth.

In partnership with the local government of Pasig City, the Department of Education (DepEd), Technical Education Skills Development Authority (Tesda) and other stakeholders, USAid launched Opportunity 2.0 on September 15.

Pasig City Mayor Victor Ma. Regis “Vico” Sotto expressed joy in the launch of the program as it takes on the common goal of uplifting the lives of out-of-youths in the city, he said in a pre-recorded message.

A Pasig City Youth Development Alliance will also be established to bring together government agencies, local businesses, schools and youth leaders to coordinate local efforts for the city’s out-of-school youth.

USAid Philippines Mission Director Ryan Washburn said that working with Filipino partners will allow the program to “provide youth with upskilling opportunities, community engagement activities, and productive livelihoods and employment” in preparing them to become a new generation of workers and entrepreneurs.

USAid Philippines Director for Office of Education Thomas LeBlanc, DepEd Assistant Secretary G.H. Ambat, Bureau of Alternative Education Director Marilette Almayda, USAid Philippines Senior Education Adviser Mir Shariff Tillah, Opportunity 2.0 Chief of Party David Hall, Opportunity 2.0 Deputy Chief of Party Ma. Theresa Mokamad, Pasig City Councilor Quin King Cruz, Tesda District Director Leonardo Pinlac, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig Officer in Charge President Reggie Manigas, and other local partners also attended the launch.

Through the Opportunity 2.0 program, youth development alliances in 15 cities have been established with the help of USAid and 180,000 out-of-school youths have received relevant education, employability skills training and work experience.

USAid has also been working with more than 900 employers and 40 education or training institutions through the five-year Opportunity 2.0 program with a P1.9 billion funding.