The Board of Investments (BOI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with DevConnect Philippines Inc. (DevCon) to strengthen engineering and technology education from the basic level. The partnership aims to prepare young Filipinos for jobs in key industries.
The BOI targets training 128,000 engineers and technicians by 2033. The partnership with DevCon aligns with AIM!, which collaborates with educational institutions to improve skills development.
“This MOU signifies a major advancement in our efforts to build a stronger talent pool, in close collaboration with the private sector,” said Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo of the BOI. “We are dedicated to working with DevCon to implement strategic initiatives that will ignite interest in Science and Technology among our future workforce, thereby addressing the decline of enrollees in engineering and other related fields.”
Rodolfo also noted that this move is crucial for empowering the IT, Semiconductor and Electronics, and other priority industries in need of job-ready graduates.
“Ultimately, this will expand our local capabilities and secure the Philippines’ position as a leading investment hub in the region for these in-demand industries,” he said.
Reaching out to underserved communities
The MOU focuses on human capital development by giving students access to essential tools, open-source technologies, and industry expertise. This will be done through initiatives with schools, with a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses.
BOI and DevCon also aim to promote lifelong learning in underserved communities. The collaboration will provide training in robotics, coding, and software development to equip students and workers with relevant skills.
As part of the MOU, the “Youth Can Make It Happen” campaign will hold campus roadshows and community events to highlight career opportunities in priority industries.
The partnership was formed after the BOI joined the Technology Go Roadshow in Iloilo City, an event organized by DevCon and the Game Development Association of the Philippines.
The Philippines produces about 750,000 graduates annually, with around 10-12% specializing in engineering and technology. With a median age of 26, the country remains a strong destination for investment and a key source of global talent.