THE DEPARTMENT of Education and the Philippine Board of Investments (BOI) have entered into a partnership to enhance students’ knowledge of the digital economy and expose them to opportunities in the Information Technology (IT) industry.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara and BOI Chairman and Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual signed the Memorandum of Agreement on Thursday (01 Aug 2024).

This agreement aims to create awareness and interest among the youth about the industrial sector, particularly in IT.

Angara emphasized that DTI’s initiative provides a “great opportunity” for learners to keep up with technological advancements. “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,” Angara said.

DepEd highlighted that the “Kids for the Future of Philippine Industrialization” is the flagship program under the agreement.

This program aims to develop both technical and soft skills of learners, focusing on IT segments such as animation, game development, and software development.

“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,” Angara added.

The program will also assist educators in enhancing their knowledge of industry trends, technologies, and skills requirements.

DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual emphasized that the MOA is a way to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in the modern economy.

Pascual recently resigned as DTI chief.