DOLE meets with ADB officials to discuss programs addressing youth NEET

Front row (L-R): DOLE Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto R. Bitonio, Jr., Undersecretary Carmela I. Torres; Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma, ADB Vice President for East and Southeast Asia and the Pacific Scott Morris, Astoria Corporate Director for Human Resources Ronnie Alarcio

Back row: BLE Director Patrick P. Patriwirawan, Jr. (fourth from the left) and Assistant Secretary Paul Vincent W. Añover (rightmost) is joined by the BLE team, JSP beneficiaries from Astoria, delegates from PESO Mandaluyong, ADB Principal Country Specialist Cristina Lozano (fifth from the left), Country Director for the Philippines Pavit Ramachandran (eighth from the left), and ADB Senior Advisor to the Vice President Su Chin Teoh (tenth from the left)

On 29 February 2024, the DOLE led a briefing at the DOLE Central Office in Intramuros, Manila for Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Vice President for East and Southeast Asia and the Pacific Scott Morris. Said briefing, which aims to introduce the JobStart Philippines Program, was attended by the aforementioned Vice President, Country Director for the Philippines Pavit Ramachandran, Principal Country Specialist Cristina Lozano, and Senior Advisor to the Vice President Su Chin Teoh. Among the delegates were also from PESO Mandaluyong and Astoria Hotels and Resorts.

The briefing was led by Bureau of Local Employment Director Patrick P. Patriwirawan, Jr. He began by discussing the program design of JobStart Philippines and acknowledging the ADB's seven-year technical assistance to the program, which concluded in March 2022.

Vice President Morris followed by emphasizing sustainable job creation and capacity building initiatives as key elements of his personal advocacy. His commitment extends to broadening the geographical reach of youth employability programs like JobStart Philippines, highlighting the importance of enhancing personnel skills through effective capacity building programs. He also expressed interest in fostering long-term economic growth, creating sustainable employment opportunities, and empowering individuals with the skills necessary for success in an evolving job market.

Mr. Ronnie Alarcio, Corporate Director for Human Resources at Astoria Hotels and Resorts and a significant partner of JobStart Philippines, was among the attendees. “I personally believe that among the many programs of the government, JobStart will change the lives of the youth for the better,” he said. He also shared that Astoria is structured to provide skills development for their employees and trainees, which is why their branches in Pasig City, Palawan, and Iloilo City are confident partners of the program.

Three beneficiaries who were formerly challenged by the difficulties of finding a job expressed thanks to Corporate Director Alarcio and Secretary Laguesma for facilitating the program that allowed them to have successful careers.

The event concluded with an open forum where the officials and delegates from ADB, Astoria, and DOLE were able to share their insights with each other. Vice President Morris closed the event with an empowering message for the JobStart beneficiaries: “It’s something you don't know yet, but I can say with confidence that you will succeed.”

END/CAG