Ex-VP Binay bats for ‘earn while you learn’ program for out-of-school youths

By: Dennis Gutierrez - 3 years ago

Former Vice President and senatorial bet Jejomar Binay shares a light moment with Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto at the Pasig City Hall.

MANILA, Philippines — Former Vice President and senatorial aspirant Jejomar Binay on Thursday proposed a partnership program where out-of-school youths can receive salaries while getting hands-on training in private companies.

“In this way, they can also earn while they learn,” Binay said.

The former vice president said out-of-school youths should be given more learning and job opportunities, especially during the pandemic.

“Kailangan nating tulungan ang mga out-of-school youth na magkaroon ng mas maraming pagkakataon na mapa-unlad ang kanilang buhay,” Binay said.

Binay cited a study from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) where the number of out-of-school youth increased from 16.9 percent in January 2020 to 25.5 percent in April 2020.

The former vice president earlier proposed the creation of a National Skills Education Council (NSEC) that would match the skills of workers with the needs of industries and employers.

“We should bring our out-of-school youth back to school, and also give them the option to learn skills they can use to get jobs,” he said.

“Dapat natin silang bigyan ng pag-asa at ipakita na nariyan ang pamahalaan upang kalingain sila,” he added.