DOLE signs collaboration with Foundever for JobStart and SPES

Left photo (left to right): Foundever Senior Learning Manager Karla Ubungen, Foundever Director for Talent Acquisition Rowel Villalobos, DOLE Assistant Secretary Paul Añover, DOLE-BLE Director Patrick P. Patriwirawan, Jr.

Right photo: The DOLE team (back row, first four from the left) and Foundever team (back row, last two to the right) pose with the signatories of the JSP-SPES MOU between DOLE and Foundever Philippines

On 12 February 2024, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) conducted a formal signing ceremony for the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Foundever Philippines to implement the JobStart Philippines Program (JSP) and the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES). The event took place at Foundever Philippines’ site in Pasig City.

The collaboration is part of the Department's broader efforts to enhance the delivery of youth employment services to those not in education, employment, or training (NEET). Aligned with the government's key employment goals, the partnership with Foundever Philippines aims to establish more effective mechanisms connecting labor with the youth market, the expanding economy, and the changing needs of the Filipino people.

DOLE Assistant Secretary Paul Vincent W. Añover initiated the program by recognizing the presence of Foundever’s Director for Talent Acquisition Rowel Villalobos, Senior Learning Manager Karla Ubungan, and Manager of University and Community Partnerships Anthony Fernandez. 

In his message during the event, Assistant Secretary Añover underscored the significance of collaboration in JSP and SPES, emphasizing the positive impact of the emerging partnership between DOLE and Foundever on the customer service sector. He concluded by expressing the commitment to produce diligent and competitive workers dedicated to serving partner employers and the nation with loyalty and excellence.

Foundever Director Villalobos meanwhile expressed their willingness to train and absorb JSP and SPES trainees in their 18 areas located in CAR, (Baguio City) MIMAROPA (Puerto Princesa) Region VII (Cebu Ctiy), and NCR (Quezon City and Pasig City), among others. 

Foundever also shared that their previous JSP implementation in Baguio City has resulted in an impressive 87% penetration rate, which they committed to continue on practicing and eventually increasing. Foundever is in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry and is willing to accept K-12 graduates, youth not in education, employment, or training (NEET), and those who are interested to be part of the fastest growing industry in the country. 

The signing of the MOUs forges a partnership that will boost youth employability and align efforts to provide opportunities and resources for skill development and sustainable employment.

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