Jollibee Group Partners with PBEd, USAID to Provide Jobs to Filipino Youth

MANILA, Philippines. – Unemployment remains an issue to many underprivileged Filipino youth, especially during a challenging economic climate. Most of them have lost their jobs or failed to secure stable jobs due to the impacts of the pandemic. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), youth unemployment rate in the Philippines as of May 2023 is at 10.6%.

To help address youth unemployment, the Jollibee Group, and its social development arm Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) recently partnered with the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) and Career Builder Skills Training and Assessment Center on the YouthWorks PH project.

Launched in 2018, YouthWorks PH is a private sector-led initiative which aims to increase access of unemployed and out-of-school Filipino youth to quality training and employment opportunities. This project is implemented by PBEd in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

PBEd is the business community's response to the need for sustained and strategic education reform in the Philippines. Career Builder Skills Training and Assessment Center is a TESDA accredited skills training and assessment center established in 2020 to help provide employment opportunities to unemployed Filipinos through skills training.

For its part, the Jollibee Group will co-develop the technical-vocational school-based curriculum with Career Builders, in coordination with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). JGF will also provide scholarship assistance to youth scholars and provide them with practicum training in select JFC stores. A pilot training program will be done this year to optimize the design and mechanics that can be used to scale to more youth trainees across the country beginning 2024.

“We are happy to partner with PBEd, USAID, TESDA, and Career Builder on providing the marginalized youth sector with the opportunity to empower themselves with technical and leadership skills. This initiative will enable them not only to find jobs, but also to unlock their potential so they can achieve a better life for themselves and their families,” said Jollibee Group Foundation President Gisela Tiongson.

 

Sustained program for youth employment

This is not the first time JGF has undertaken an initiative for the marginalized youth sector. In 2005, JGF launched the Access, Curriculum, and Employability or ACE Scholarship Program, which provides two types of educational support to underprivileged youth: college scholarships for degrees in Hotel and Restaurant Management or Business Management, and technical skills training scholarships, in partnership with Don Bosco Technical College.

In 2018, JGF partnered with the Anihan Technical School for the development of the Quick Service Restaurant Operations course, which includes both in-school and in-store training for scholars, improving not only their skills set, but also their employability in the food service industry.

Since the ACE Scholarship Program started in 2004, JGF has given scholarships to 2,397 students, which includes 1,117 students for agriculture and 139 for technical-vocational skills training.

“We continue to work towards reducing barriers to education for the marginalized Filipino youth. With new partners like PBEd and USAID, we are strengthening our ACE Scholarship Program even further and helping provide more young people with better chances at succeeding in life and improving their quality of life,” said Tiongson.

 

# # #

 

About Jollibee Group

Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC, also known as Jollibee Group) is one of the fastest-growing restaurant companies in the world. Its mission is to serve great-tasting food and bring the joy of eating to everyone through its 18 brands with over 6,500 stores across 34 countries including the Philippines, United States, Canada, the People's Republic of China, United Kingdom, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates, and Australia.

The Jollibee Group has eight wholly owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger); four franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, and Yoshinoya in the Philippines, and Tim Ho Wan in certain territories in China); 80% ownership of The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf; 60% ownership in the SuperFoods Group that owns Highlands Coffee; and 51% ownership of Milksha, a popular Taiwanese bubble tea brand. JFC also has a business venture with award-winning Chef Rick Bayless for Tortazo, a Mexican fast-casual restaurant business in the United States.

The Jollibee Group, through its subsidiary Jollibee Worldwide Pte. Ltd. (JWPL) owns 90% participating interest in Titan Dining LP, a private equity fund that owns the Tim Ho Wan brand. The Jollibee Group has a joint venture with the THW Group to open and operate THW restaurants in Mainland China. Recently, the Jollibee Group has signed an agreement to establish a joint venture company that will own and operate Tiong Bahru Bakery and Common Man Coffee Roasters in the Philippines.

The Jollibee Group has launched its global sustainability agenda dubbed Joy for Tomorrow, which aims to strengthen the company’s commitment to sustainable business practices. The agenda centers on the key pillars of Food, People, and Planet, and consists of 10 focus areas namely: food safety, food quality, nutrition & transparency, employee welfare, farmers livelihood, community support, good governance, packaging & recycling, waste reduction, and energy & water efficiency. Each focus area sets goals and initiatives that contribute and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

The Jollibee Group was named the Philippines' most admired company by the Asian Wall Street Journal for ten years. It was also honored as one of Asia's Fab 50 Companies and among the World's Best Employers and World’s Top Female-Friendly Companies by Forbes. The company is also a two-time recipient of Gallup’s Exceptional Workplace Award, making it the only Philippine-based company to receive the distinction.

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com

DTI's Pascual Supports Workforce Development, Pushes Alignment of Learning Systems

BIÑAN, LAGUNA—During the launching of the Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Development Alliance (AMDev) Program supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on 13 March 2023, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Fred Pascual echoed that the Department is in pursuit of encouraging employers to upskill workers, making them future-ready.

"Crucial to manufacturing development is advancing our workforce pipeline, so we fully support and will continue to support AmDev. Preparing our workforce for the future is essential, as it is one of DTI’s strategic priorities," Secretary Pascual said.

The AMDev Program is a 5-year (2022-2027) public-private partnership supported by USAID and implemented by Unilab Foundation (ULF). It seeks to develop a highly skilled and adaptive workforce pipeline that meets the evolving requirements of the advanced manufacturing sector through better-defined, harmonized skills and qualifications descriptors, competency, and training standards.

The main goal of the program is to improve the capacity of the education system to develop human capital aligned with the requirements of Industry 4.0. To deliver this goal, the program will seek to achieve three Intermediate Results (IRs) such as: (1) Improved competencies of target manufacturing workforce that are relevant to Industry 4.0 needs; (2) Improved enabling environment for advanced manufacturing workforce development; and (3) Improved stakeholder readiness for Industry 4.0.

Further, one of the key activities of AMDev is the establishment of the Advanced Manufacturing Institute (AMI) that will be operationalized by Alliance Core Partners, namely Amherst Laboratories, Inc, Belmont Softgel Pharma Corporation, Fastech Advanced Assembly, and Western Digital. Meanwhile, among its government partners are the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Initiatives such as AMDev are vital to the DTI's work of tapping and leveraging the immense potential of the Philippines as a manufacturing hub. Through AMDev, the Filipino workforce will have the opportunity to learn new skills and knowledge that will further strengthen the competencies of the country's manufacturing sector.

Secretary Pascual added that "We encourage employers to upskill workers. But we also recognize aligning systems of learning as equally important. With around 790,000 Filipino graduates annually, companies should find it promising to readily recruit smart, young, and productive workforce for their manufacturing operations."

The various initiatives that coincide with AMDev are aligned with the national government's work of responding to the learning needs and realities of the country's workforce, especially in manufacturing.

The DTI endeavors to implement an industrialization strategy driven by science, technology, and innovation. As this comes in, it is vital for the country to also adopt industry 4.0 technologies that will make industries more competitive. However, to successfully implement this, our workforce must be highly skilled. Relative to this, the DTI will soon launch an industry 4.0 pilot factory, which will house cutting-edge manufacturing technologies like advanced robotics, the intelligence of things, and virtual and augmented reality simulations, among others.

Likewise, to ensure organizations and regional governments realize the value of adopting and investing in digital literacy, DTI, together with the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), launched the Philippine Skills Framework (PSF) Initiative. The initiative seeks to create a framework to upskill, reskill, and prepare our human capital and workforce to respond and adapt to the changing needs of the industry. The DTI is working on PSF for electronics, which AMDev and other similar initiatives can gain from for their workforce.

In closing, Secretary Pascual expressed the Department's willingness to continue supporting AMDev as its Alliance Core Partners implement projects and programs that are aligned with it.

Displaced Workers in Tacloban find New Hope for Livelihood

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) brought silver lining to local folks as the agency successfully turned over equipment under the Shared Service Facility (SSF) program providing livelihood support to displaced carpenters, welders, painters, and other skilled workers in the northern barangays of Tacloban City, March 22.

These construction workers once lived in the city proper near the Cancabato Bay who were relocated by the local government to northern barangays after their homes had been devastated by Typhoon Yolanda.

Lack of livelihood is the top challenge faced by these men who had been displaced from their place of work. Some of them are fishermen who, by their current situation, are far off the shore and were forced to shift to the construction industry for employment and income.

The local government of Tacloban saw this opportunity to capacitate these men thru TESDA trainings and provision of equipment via DTI’s SSF program. This will help them become productive members of the society.

“Ang role namin ay magbigay ng equipment at magpalakas sa ating mga kababayan. Maaari rin po kayong matulungan ng DTI through our livelihood programs para magkaroon ng tuluy-tuloy na kabuhayan,” said Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.

SSF is one of DTI’s programs to address bottlenecks in the value chain of priority industries and enhance productivity of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by providing technical support and processing or manufacturing equipment in a shared system.

The initiative complements the priority program of the LGU to provide livelihoods in the relocated communities of Tacloban. These areas came from hardly-hit barangays of Typhoon Yolanda in 2013 and were displaced from their place of livelihood. The project is expected to gen erate jobs and income for the skilled workers in the relocated sites.

The project amounts to PHP 928,400 for the tools and equipment used for basic construction. The potential beneficiaries are skilled graduates of TESDA NC II and accredited schools for welding, carpentry, and painters.

Secretary Lopez graced the said launching together with DTI Regional Operations Group (ROG) Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona, Assistant Secretaries Asteria Caberte, Demphna Du-Naga, and Dominic Tolentino, and Regional Director Celerina Bato.

DTI encourages the promotion of MSMEs to a higher level where they could tap a better production facility for wider market share and be integrated with the global supply chain. 

More Courses Now Available in TESDA Online Program

Taguig City – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is continuously expanding its online training program as more courses are now available in the platform.

As of October 2021, there are now 114 courses in the TESDA Online Program (TOP), according to the data released by e-TESDA.

Among the new courses integrated in the platform are International Labor Organization’s (ILO) Job Readiness, English as a Medium of Instruction, Using Educational Technology in the English Language Classroom and Microsoft’s Digital Literacy.

The TOP is a web-based platform that offers free Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) for the technical education and skills development of the Filipino workforce.

Through the use of information and communication technologies, the TOP provides an effective and efficient way to deliver technical education and skills development services to Filipinos and widen their chances of employment or sources of livelihood.

Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic has also pushed Filipinos to register in the TOP. From its launching in 2012 up to October 2021, the TOP now has 3,443,530 registered users.

Since the government imposed travel restrictions due to COVID-19in March 16, 2020 up to October 2021, there are 2,006,923 Filipinos who registered in the TOP, which is over the half of the accumulated registrants since 2012.

In June last year, TESDA Secretary Isidro Lapeña led the launching of “TESDA Abot Lahat ang OFWs” program which aims to help upskill Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

President Rodrigo Duterte, through his state-of-the-nation-address, ordered TESDA to empower OFWs especially those repatriated due to COVID-19pandemic.

Data, also released by e-TESDA, showed that a total of 163,750 OFWs and their dependents have registered in the TOP from March 2020 to August 2021.

With this, Lapeña encouraged everyone to avail of the agency's online courses to remain productive amid the mobility restrictions due to COVID-19pandemic.

“I invite the public, especially those who have lost their jobs or those trying to venture into a new livelihood, to try enrolling in our online classes. This is offered for free. I’m sure you can find a course from the many options that will best suit your need,” Lapeña said.

For those interested to register or view the list of available courses,just visit https://www.e-tesda.gov.ph/.

Enrollees will be given a certificate of completion after finishing a course.However, those who wish to receive a National Certificate must undergo competency assessment in TESDA-accredited assessment centers.

Statement of TESDA Secretary Isidro Lapeña in support of NTF-ELCAC

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) would like to reaffirm its support to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. Like other government agencies, TESDA is deeply concerned with the lawmakers’ decision to reduce the task force’s budget.

In the more than two and a half years that TESDA has led the NTF-ELCAC’s Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC), the agency, together with its cluster members and partners in the private sector, has provided scholarship to thousands of individuals to equip them for jobs or livelihood. Most of our beneficiaries are former rebels and indigenous peoples. We have also lighted several communities in the country, mostly those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. We have organized communities to harness their potentials to engage in sustainable economic enterprises.

The NTF, with all its lines of effort, have successfully diminished the influence of communist terrorist groups in the Philippines. Reducing the task force’s ability to continue its mission at this point in time will slow down the work of the government towards sustainable progress and peace and order. It will be our kababayans, especially those in the remote and far-flung areas, who will bear the impact of this decision.

TESDA-NCR opens week-long Regional Skills Competition

Taguig City – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in the National Capital Region (NCR) has opened its week-long 2021 Regional Skills Competition.

TESDA Secretary Isidro Lapeña led the opening program of the skills competition on November 8 at TESDA Multipurpose Gymnasium. The said skills competition will run until November 12.

In his speech, Lapeña said that the skills competition is an avenue for the participants to showcase their skills and expertise in their respective technical vocational fields.

“Being a competitor, you are already a winner as you gain more experience in this competition. Always remember that winning is not just about the medal or the top prize. Winning is putting all your best efforts whatever the circumstances and embracing all the lessons you gained from the experience,” he said.

A total of 35 graduates from six districts of NCR – CaMaNaVa (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela), PasMak (Pasay, Makati), PaMaMariSan (Pasig, Mandaluyong, Marikina, San Juan), MuntiParLasTaPat (Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Taguig, Pateros), Manila City, and Quezon City are competing for 19 skill areas.

The 19 skills areas are Cooking, Restaurant Service, Welding Technology, 3D Art Game, Graphic Design Technology, IT Network System Administration, Web Design, and Technology, Mechanical Engineering CAD, IT Software Solutions for Business, Bakery, Fashion Technology, CNC Milling, CNC Turning, Plastic Die Engineering, Mechatronics, Automobile Technology, Industrial Automation, Electrical Installation, and Information Network Cabling.

Meanwhile, Taguig City 2nd District Representative Maria Laarni “Lani” Cayetano expressed support to TESDA and to the event saying that skills training is the “biggest investment” especially during this time of pandemic.

“Sana po sa kompetisyong ito, pangalawa lang dapat ang ‘yung goal na manalo. Ang number one dapat ay ang maipakita ang kahusayan ng Pilipino. This competition is a celebration of Filipino talents,” she said.

Also present during the opening program were TESDA-NCR Regional Director Florencio Sunico Jr, District Directors in TESDA-NCR, NCR TESD Committee Chair Engr. GamalielItao, and NCR Alliance of TVET Schools Association (NATSA) President Dr. Danilo Ayap.

Other regions nationwide are also conducting their respective Regional Skills Competition. The winners in this year's Regional Skills Competition will represent their region for the National Skills Competition, and if given the opportunity, will represent the Philippines for the World Skills Competition in Shanghai, China.

Section 30 of the Republic Act 7796 (The TESDA Act of 1994) states that TESDA, with the active participation of private industries, shall organize annual skills Olympics to promote quality skills development in the country and the view of participating in International Skills Competitions. ###

Philippine Cable and Telecommunications Association Creates Employment with TESDA Skill-Building Program

Manila, Philippines — As more homes need to be powered by connectivity in response to the pandemic situation, the Philippine Cable and Telecommunications Association (PCTA) has partnered with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to co-develop training programs for potential workers in the ever-growing cable TV and broadband space. 

According to surveys, cable connectivity is one of the few industries that experienced growth in 2020 and PCTA members need more skilled workers to help connect homes and bring them online, to help them stay entertained at home or work and study at home. 

The program is designed to engage the direct participation of employers, workers, learning institutions and government in the design, development and implementation of industry-driven and demand-driven technical education and skills development towards creation of qualified, competent, and job-ready Filipino workforce. It also aims to provide for more strategic policy reforms in Tech-Voc training that is aligned to the industry requirements to address the unemployment and job-skill mismatch. 

“For decades, the PCTA has wanted a Cable TV academy and we had already laid the groundwork for it by joining up with TESDA to create courses for cable installers. The challenge was always ‘where will we put the academy?’ With the pandemic showing distance or virtual instruction can work, the academy can be anywhere where there is internet,” says PCTA President Joel Dabao. 

Through the strength of TESDA’s nationwide network of learning hubs, there will be more Filipinos who can be given job opportunities to help support their families. With this program, the PCTA hopes to be a primary driver of pandemic recovery. With more skilled workers available for hiring by the PCTA members all over the country, more homes will be able to go online and work from home through reliable broadband technology. Increasing the work forces in the cable industry will likewise help drive a rise in consumption and subscription services, ensuring security for those who previously could not find work.

Dabao says, “Our touchpoints in our industry are the Filipino homes and communities. We launched our Mabuhay ang Lokal campaign early this year to celebrate our culture and share the stories of our communities. With this partnership with TESDA, we are now empowering those in our communities whose livelihoods have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. PCTA is committed to uplift its role in the local community by providing employment to at-risk and in-need Filipinos.”

PCTA hopes that it will inspire other industries to create new pathways towards employment and help the country bounce back towards recovery in the next normal. For more information on PCTA, visit www.pcta.org.ph or follow PCTA on Facebook.

###

ABOUT PCTA

The PHILIPPINE CABLE AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATION (PCTA), INC. is the umbrella organization of nationwide Cable Television Operators and Internet Service Providers in the Philippines. Its membership roster includes the biggest cable operators in the country as well as the medium and small cable operators who, through their pain-staking efforts, have succeeded in bringing up-to-date programs, information, and technology to the farthest island in the country. To date, the PCTA has over 300 regular members. Together, the PCTA member-cable operators are serving 75% of the total cable TV subscribers in the Philippines.