THE United States Agency for International Development (USAID) recently launched a program addressing the education, employment, and livelihood needs of Pasig City’s out-of-school youth (OSY).
USAID Philippines Mission Director Ryan Washburn joined Pasig City Councilor Quin Kin Cruz, Education Assistant Secretary G.H. Ambat, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority District Director Leonardo Pinlac, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig Officer In Charge-President Reggie Maningas, and other local partners at the Opportunity 2.0 launch on September 15.
“It is my joy to be witnessing the launch of [USAID’s Opportunity 2.0],” shared Mayor Ma. Victor Regis “Vico” Sotto. “We share your vision, and I believe that we are all here today because we have a common goal of wanting to uplift the lives of our OSY here in the City of Pasig.”
“By working with our Filipino partners across all sectors, we are able to provide youth with upskilling opportunities, community-engagement activities, and productive livelihoods and employment to prepare them as the country’s new generation of workers and entrepreneurs,” said Washburn.
Part of Opportunity 2.0, USAID will create a Pasig City Youth Development Alliance that will gather government agencies, local businesses, schools and youth leaders that will coordinate local efforts in helping the city’s OSY. To date USAID has helped establish Youth Development Alliances in 15 cities across the country.
With the five-year, P1.9-billion ($37.5 million) program, USAID is working with more than 900 employers and 40 education or training institutions to provide relevant education, employability skills, and work experience to 180,000 OSY nationwide.
The US government has been a key development champion in the Philippines for over 60 years, working with individuals, communities and the government to improve everyday lives.
Image credits: US Embassy