NEDA calls for private sector support
on the National Employment Plan

11 June 2024 – READ: Director Girlie Grace Casimiro-Igtiben of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) shared with the key manufacturing players the recently signed Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Trabaho Para sa Bayan (TBP) Act at the AMDev’s Quarterly Meeting.  

The Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act, signed into law in 2023 by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., tasks NEDA with crafting a master plan for employment generation and recovery in the Philippines. Initiatives under this law will directly contribute to the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.   

“We recognize that your [private sector] role is very critical in improving the implementation of the Act. Insights from you on how you view the conditions of the present employment landscape are very important in the development of the master plan,” said Director Casimiro-Igtiben. “We would like the private sector to help us out because the government cannot do it alone. We recognize that the private sector has the resources for apprenticeship and dual training system,” she added. 

“USAID is honored to support the Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Development Alliance (AMDev). AMDev’s work mirrors the goals of the Trabaho Para Sa Bayan Act. This empowers workers with the skills they need to thrive in the evolving job market. We believe in empowering individuals with technology and fostering a future where the manufacturing sector thrives,” Yvette Malcioln, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Office of Education Deputy Director, mentioned.

As the Philippine employment rate reaches an all-time high of 96 percent, the TBP Act can focus on high-value employment opportunities, addressing emigration issues. Equipping the Filipino workforce with the necessary competencies to assume more advanced roles will significantly enhance their market value, thereby incentivizing skilled Filipinos to remain in the country and elevate their overall standard of living. 

“The private sector is optimistic that this landmark legislation will hold immense potential for bridging the skills gap and fostering a more robust manufacturing ecosystem, and AMDev is ready to assist the government in advancing the law’s implementation,” said Makati Business Club’s Executive Director, Bobby Batungbacal. 

The Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Development (AMDev) Program is a joint initiative by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Unilab Foundation, focused on upskilling and reskilling the Philippine manufacturing workforce. The AMDev Quarterly Meeting is a series of industry discussions to promote collaboration on workforce development in the sector.

AMDev’s Annual Stakeholder Forum is poised to happen this August 2024. Stay tuned for more details at http://tinyurl.com/LearnAboutAMDev.