Wadhwani Foundation, a global non-profit organization focused on job creation, is strengthening its employability skills program in the Philippines through a pilot ecosystem-led approach in Mega Manila, the country’s largest economic hub that includes Metro Manila and the surrounding provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, and Rizal.
The initiative aims to align skills training with local hiring demand by working closely with employers, training institutions, and other partners in the area.
The pilot focuses on ensuring that training programs lead to actual employment. The foundation said coordination among employers, educators, and partners can help link training more directly to available jobs and improve job placement results for learners.
“Our mission is to enable job creation and improve livelihoods at scale. In the Philippines, we are piloting a more locally anchored skilling approach in Mega Manila to strengthen job outcomes, while continuing to support student entrepreneurship nationwide through Ignite,” Ajay Kela, CEO and board member of Wadhwani Foundation, said.
He noted that this allows them to learn quickly, strengthen partnerships, and ensure that programs translate into real opportunities for people, while remaining fully committed to zero-cost delivery.
The Mega Manila pilot will allow the foundation and its partners to test and refine an ecosystem-based skilling model before considering expansion. Lessons from the pilot may guide how similar approaches could be introduced in other parts of the country over time.
The Ignite program, which supports students and aspiring entrepreneurs, will continue to be offered nationwide without changes. The program helps participants explore entrepreneurship as a career path and build early-stage business skills through practical exposure.
The foundation said all existing partnerships and programs in the Philippines remain active. The Mega Manila pilot is intended to complement the organization’s nationwide programs and partnerships.
All entrepreneurship and skilling programs in the Philippines continue to be offered at no cost to partners and beneficiaries.