COURTESY: CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)
Hey there! Have you heard the buzz in Cagayan de Oro City? The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of CDO City, teaming up with the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd), has just kicked off the second edition of the JobsNext program. This initiative is all about upskilling our youth to tackle the jobs of the future. Let’s dive into what makes this program a game-changer!
On May 21, CDO City saw the launch of the 2nd JobsNext program edition, aiming to foster lifelong learning and equip our workforce with skills that are not just relevant but essential for future job markets. Justine Raagas, the PBEd executive director, shared that PBEd has been collaborating with CDO since 2013. She highlighted the city’s dynamic leadership, robust education system, and supportive private sector as key factors for this partnership.
Raagas emphasized that PBEd’s mission is to train 400 young individuals in CDO in future-centric fields like analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and data science. After their training, these young talents will transition into available jobs, making the entire process seamless and impactful. And guess what? These aren’t just any jobs; they’re roles that offer salaries well above the minimum wage, especially in the ICT and data science sectors.
Take Mary Jane C. Yane, an 18-year-old student from PHINMA Cagayan de Oro College. She’s super excited about joining the JobsNext program. “Companies widely use computers now; the JobsNext program is timely and relevant now, more than ever,” she said. For Mary Jane, this program is a golden opportunity for the youth, especially those eyeing careers in IT.
Then there's Bryll Bryan M. Pon, a 19-year-old mechanical engineering student from USTP. He’s considering a shift to data science because, in his words, “Data science is more about interpreting and analyzing data; it is a great career path as our future is moving towards the IT industry.” For Bryll, the JobsNext program is a perfect platform to build on his skills and delve deeper into machine learning and AI. He believes the future of JobsNext is bright and promising.
CDO City Administrator Roy Hilario Raagas, speaking on behalf of Mayor Rolando A. Uy, hailed the JobsNext program as “a beacon of hope for our unemployed youth.” The program offers training in critical areas like AI, machine learning, cyber security, and green skills, which are essential for future job markets.
Mayor Uy expressed excitement over the opportunities JobsNext extends to young Filipinos, equipping them with necessary skills and opening wider employment avenues. The city government of CDO is fully committed to supporting this initiative, ensuring its success and sustainability.
Councilor Jose "Pepe" Abbu, Jr., who chairs the city's Committee on Labor and Employment, emphasized the local government’s aim to reduce the unemployment rate. He assured that any necessary legislation to support the program would be backed by the City Council. Meanwhile, Councilor Suzette Magtajas-Daba, chairperson of the Committee on Education, highlighted that education is a powerful tool in breaking the cycle of poverty and improving the quality of life for young individuals.
Andrea Adorio from JobsNext PBEd pointed out a startling fact: according to the International Labour Organization, 49% of the Filipino workforce could be unemployed due to automation. The World Economic Forum also indicates that 44% of workers' core skills are expected to change in the next five years, with AI and leadership being pivotal.
Fast-growing jobs include AI and machine learning specialists, while roles like bank tellers and clerks are on the decline. PBEd supports the JobsNext Bill, aiming to promote lifelong learning and upskill the workforce for future job markets. Representative Patrick Michael Vargas of Quezon City's Fifth District filed this bill, advocating for a skills voucher program to help Filipinos adapt to automation and digitization.
CDO Sangguniang Federation President Kenneth Sacala praised the initiative as a significant step towards enhancing employability and creating new opportunities for Kagay-anon youth. PESO Manager Kathleen Kate 'Kitkat' Sorilla and Lord Saver Centina, the local youth development officer, are committed to enhancing youth opportunities through JobsNext and other initiatives.
In conclusion, the JobsNext program isn’t just about training; it’s about transforming lives and preparing our youth for a future that's already here. So, if you're in CDO and looking to upskill, this is your moment. Don’t miss out!
