PNB, Aboitiz tap, prepare graduates to boost workforce

Taipan Lucio Tan’s Philippine National Bank (PNB) and the Aboitiz Group’s construction arm signed separate partnerships to strengthen their workforce.

In a statement, PNB said it was collaborating with the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) to provide jobs to graduates.

“We are happy to partner with PUP and be able to help promising graduates carve a rewarding career in the field of banking and finance. PNB is a place where young talents can explore many opportunities for learning and growth,” PNB chair Federico Pascual said.

“This initiative is in line with our thrust on sustainability as we ensure a steady pool of fresh and high-potential talents who can help us push our strategy and accomplish our business objectives,” he added. PUP’s graduates are among the most sought-after by companies, according to a JobStreet.com survey.

“PUP is glad to help find the right match between our pool of graduating students and the hiring requirements of PNB,” PUP president Manuel Muhi said in the same statement. “This partnership with a stable and esteemed institution like PNB is part of our continued guidance and support to our students—even after college life,” he added.

Meanwhile, Aboitiz Construction signed a partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) provincial office in Bukidnon and Maces Skills Training Institute Inc.

This was for the training of 25 workers who could he hired in the company’s maintenance services project in Surigao del Norte. “At Aboitiz Construction, we continue to provide employment for many Filipinos and prioritize the hiring of local residents from nearby municipalities and regions,” said Charisse De Villa, Aboitiz Construction assistant vice president and officer in charge head of human resources and corporate shared services.

“Through our corporate social responsibility initiatives, we aim to upskill our workers and enable them to become more equipped with the demands of the construction industry,” De Villa added.

Last year, Aboitiz Construction partnered with Tesda-accredited training centers in Cebu and Batangas to upskill a total of 64 individuals in scaffolding and shielded metal arc welding. “Most of the graduates were hired and deployed in the firm’s project sites while others are reserved for future projects,” the company said.

—Miguel R. Camus INQ