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MAKATI CITY, 02 August 2024 – The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Philippine Board of Investments (BOI) on Thursday forged a strategic partnership to enhance knowledge on digital economy and expose learners to opportunities in the Information Technology industry.

Led by Secretary Sonny Angara and BOI Chairman and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual, DepEd and BOI signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) designed to create awareness and interest among the youth about the industrial sector, particularly in the IT industry.

“Malaking bagay po itong inisyatibo ng DTI at nagpapasalamat kami sa Kagawaran ng Edukasyon dito sa oportunidad na ibinigay hindi [para] sa atin, hindi sa Kagawaran ng Edukasyon, kundi para sa ating mga stakeholder, ‘yong over 20 million po na estudyante natin na makikinabang dito sa makabagong teknolohiya,” Secretary Angara said.

The “Kids for the Future of Philippine Industrialization” is the flagship program under the Agreement which aims to develop both technical and soft skills of learners, and focuses on IT segments like animation, game development, and software development

“Philippines has not been the fastest adopter of innovation and technologies but we are there, dahil bilib ako sa talent, sa tatak Pinoy, palagay ko baka malampasan pa natin ‘yong ibang mga karatig bansa natin sa darating na mga taon,” Sec. Angara noted.

“Nandodoon po ‘yong communication skills [and] critical skills. Kailangan lang mahasa nang husto, mahasa nang husto at dito talagang mahahasa kapag nag-work immersion sa mga industriyang makabago,” he added.

The strategic partnership will benefit Junior and Senior High School Learners and K-12 graduates, this also intends to inspire them to pursue career and life-long learning opportunities and to develop a job and future-ready workforce.

In addition, the said program will assist educators in enhancing their knowledge of industry trends, technologies, industry skills, and competencies requirements, among others.

Meanwhile, DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual emphasized that the MOA is a way to empower the youth to propel the country to new heights.

“Signing this Memorandum of Agreement between the Board of Investment (BOI) and DepEd is not a merely formality but a resounding declaration of our commitment to equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills they need to shape the future of our nation,” he said.

Through the Agreement, DepEd and BOI will address the growing demands of thriving industries for highly skilled graduates by raising career and industry awareness in secondary education institutions.

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