BOI, Devcon partner to strengthen PH workforce’s tech, engineering skills
Trade Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo (PHOTO: RTVM)
MANILA, Philippines – The Board of Investments (BOI) has partnered with DevConnect Philippines Inc. (Devcon) to help develop the engineering and technology skills of the local workforce.
The BOI, the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) lead investment promotion agency, said on Tuesday that a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the non-government organization had been signed last February 27.
“This MOU signifies a major advancement in our efforts to build a stronger talent pool, in close collaboration with the private sector,” Trade Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo said in a statement.
“This is crucial for empowering our information technology, semiconductor and electronics, and other priority industries in need of job-ready graduates,” he added.
READ: Harnessing the power of human capital: Building a prosperous PH future
He also said that the cooperation will expand the Philippines’ local capabilities and secure the country’s position as a leading investment hub in the region for these in-demand industries.
Through the MOU, both parties seek to drive human capital development by providing access to essential tools, open-source technologies, and industry expertise.
The collaboration between the two will include initiatives with the academe, focusing on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The MOU also seeks to promote lifelong learning and skills development among beneficiaries, stakeholders, and underserved communities, empowering them with essential competencies in robotics, coding, and software development.
As part of this, the BOI and Devcon will implement the “Youth Can Make It Happen” campaign through joint initiatives such as community promotions and campus roadshows.
These efforts, the BOI said, aim to emphasize the crucial role of young Filipinos in nation-building while showcasing opportunities in the government’s priority sectors.
The BOI emphasized that this collaboration aligns with the government’s goal of producing 128,000 engineers and technicians by 2033.
The Philippines graduates over 750,000 students annually, with approximately 10 percent to 12 percent specializing in engineering and technology, according to the BOI.
With a youthful population and a median age of 26, the government agency said that the country remains a prime destination for investments and a dependable source of global talent.
