Muntinlupa City: More opportunities will open up for children under the care of the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) centers and residential care facilities (CRCFs) as the agency sealed a breakthrough partnership with IBM Philippines.

According to Philippines News Agency, the memorandum of agreement was signed by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and IBM PH President and Country General Manager Aileen Judan-Jiao at the Marillac Hills - National Training School for Girls (NTSG) in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. Under the Skills Build System, IBM will provide digital technology-based training to selected children from DSWD-managed CRCFs, starting with the NTSG, which caters to minor girls who are survivors of sexual abuse or human trafficking or are children in conflict with the law.

Through free online short courses offered by IBM, the partnership seeks to help build confidence, competence, and a brighter future for CRCF clients, particularly those who are about to reach the legal age and will soon be up for independent living. Gatchalian stated that this initiative resonates with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s goals to bring renewed hope to Filipinos in need, especially the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized sectors.

The IBM SkillsBuild program offers over 1,000 courses in 20 languages on various technical disciplines, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, data analysis, cloud computing, programming, and coding, as well as workplace skills. Certificates and micro-credentials earned through the training will be recognized by prospective employers globally.

Judan-Jiao emphasized the value of the digital micro-credentials, likening them to a small diploma that can be showcased on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn, or used when applying for jobs. A resident of Marillac Hills, identified as 'Ice,' expressed excitement over the program, viewing it as a potential pathway to a career in the tech industry.

In a related effort, the DSWD previously collaborated with Caritas Philippines Foundation Inc. to provide CRCF residents with knowledge on values formation, as part of a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of vulnerable groups.