ILO launches exhibit on lifelong learning, culminating multi-year TVET project

2 OCTOBER, MANILA—The International Labor Organization (ILO) has launched the Pathways to Decent Work exhibit on lifelong learning to culminate the Skills for Prosperity Programme in the Philippines (SfP-Philippines).

The SfP programme, which is supported by the United Kingdom government, enhances the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system in the country. It brings together the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and other key government agencies, employers’ organizations, trade unions and other stakeholders to improve access to TVET and boost skills development in the country, with the aim of supporting youth, women and marginalized groups in gaining the skills needed for better employment opportunities.  

At the opening ceremony of the SfP-Philippines exhibit, ILO Country Director Khalid Hassan explained that the project helped partner communities better adapt to the three main drivers of change in the world of work: technological innovation and automation, climate change, and shifting demographics.

UK Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils acknowledged that finding a solution to these global issues requires different sets of tools, but highlighted that education is the cross-cutting solution to current challenges.

“For this reason, the UK is committed to mobilizing partnerships, technical expertise and our combined resources to improve access to skills development, to foster innovation, and to enable improvements in education systems across the world. And I'm very proud that here in the Philippines, the Skills for Prosperity program has helped us to deliver on our commitments,” she said.

Similarly, United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Philippines Gustavo Gonzalez emphasized the importance of continuing education and skills development to achieving targets of the Philippine Development Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals.

He said analyzing the impact of technology on the future of work entails analyzing its impact on people and their rights.

“This is an extremely timely investment,” he said, adding, “Such investment looks at eliminating gender disparities and ensuring equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, such as persons with disabilities and indigenous people. Investing in lifelong learning is a fundamental investment in human rights.”

The SfP-Philippines programme was implemented from November 2019 to March 2023, with activities towards enhancing equity and broadening access to TVET among marginalized groups; improving skills development and the TVET system; and enhancing the relevance and cost-effectiveness of the TVET system. Three projects were launched across the provinces of Cebu, Iloilo, Aklan and Samar, focusing on TVET for construction, agriculture and information technology.