Project Hope gets backing in Tarlac

TARLAC CITY—Sectoral groups helping bring education and jobs to out-of-school youth assembled recently in Tarlac City with partners and beneficiaries to launch the Project Hope program, spearheaded by the Eduardo Cojuangco Foundation (ECF).

Project Hope, which would initially benefit 1,000 out-of-school youth, is the result of a partnership between ECF, the Department of Education, the Department of Labor and Employment, the Technical Skills and Development Authority, La Salle Greenhills and the Tarlac provincial government.

It seeks to provide technical-vocational training and job opportunities for 5,000 out-of-school 18 to 30 years old over a five-year period.

Envisioned by businessman Eduardo M. Cojuangco Jr., the project seeks to bring jobs to the people of Tarlac, Cojuangco’s home province.

Representing Cojuangco in the gathering was his son, former congressman Carlos O. Cojuangco.

“Project Hope is a classic example of an undertaking that could only be possible with teamwork from the public and private sectors working toward a common goal,” said the younger Cojuangco in remarks made on behalf of his father at the assembly.