The Bureau of Local Employment, through the JobStart Philippines (JSP) Unit, as well as other delegates from JobStart areas in NCR, attended the 55th Annual Meeting organized by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) at the ADB Philippines Country Office in Mandaluyong City last 28 September 2022. As part of this event, Malaysia’s ADB Alternate Governor and Deputy Finance Minister requested a project visit on the Facilitating Youth School-to-Work Transition Program, which included JobStart Philippines, for the seven-person Malaysian delegation.

The meeting was opened by ADB Philippines Country Director Kelly Bird and was followed by the Bureau’s OIC-Director Patrick P. Patriwirawan, Jr., who expressed his gratitude to the ADB for their seven-year technical assistance to JobStart Philippines, which closed last March 2022. After this, Ms. Kyra Querijero, JSP focal person, conducted a briefing on the program and opened the floor for the testimonials of ten JobStart graduates (three from Mandaluyong City and seven from Pasig City).

Part of the delegation is Mr. Ronnie Alarcio, the Corporate Director for Human Resources of Astoria Hotels and Resorts, one of JobStart Philippines’ known partner employers. The ten beneficiaries took this opportunity to show him their appreciation and to share their JobStart journey as the beginning of their career building. All of them were unemployed prior to their participation in the program, and after reaping the benefits of their hard work during the life skills and technical trainings and internships, they are now employed in stable jobs by the aforementioned company, giving them decent and secure livelihoods and the opportunity to transition from being previously not in education, employment, or training (NEET) to having much better lives. 

After a quick photo opportunity with all attendees, the program was called to a close.

The technical assistance provided by the Asian Development Bank helped the JobStart Philippines Program build a foundation to maintain its provision of competitive ambitions, diverse opportunities, and meaningful lives to many young at-risk Filipinos.