The City Government, under the administration of Mayor Rolando "Klarex" Uy, and the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Thursday, February 9, 2023, for the launching of the JobsNext Project in Cagayan de Oro.

JobsNext is a project implemented by PBEd that seeks to mitigate the negative impacts of the employability of the Philippine labor force by providing industry-relevant, demand-driven, up-to-date, and appropriate skilling programs.

It targets 18 to 25-year-old out-of-school or studying youths, graduates, as well as working and non-working individuals.

"JobsNext is a good opportunity for the city and most importantly for our youth. Thank you PBEd and Citi Foundation for allowing us to offer this opportunity to our youth. Thank you for working with us to empower young minds to ensure a promising future," Mayor Klarex Uy said in his welcome message during the JobsNext Project Launch Thursday morning in Dynasty Court Hotel.

According to Mayor Klarex, JobsNext is a first of its kind in Cagayan de Oro, providing the Kagay-an youths with training programs for jobs like business analyst, data scientist, and JavaScript developer.

"It does’nt matter if they are in or out of school, employed or unemployed. All youth age 18-25 years old will benefit from JobsNext and have equal opportunities to learn new skills and competencies. Mao ning akong tinguha sa mga kabatan-onan, salamat kaayo mga batan-on nga nagtambong karon," Mayor Klarex said.

PBEd Executive Director Justine Raagas, who is also a Kagay-anon, also expressed her gratitude to the City Government, saying that the city has always put young people and education in its heart.

"Philippines Business for Education has always been a proud partner of the City Government," Raagas said.

At present, 100 Kagay-an youths are undergoing training programs under the JobsNext Project. The said training is provided by Accenture, Microsoft, GO Philippines, Amazon Web Services, PLDT-Smart, ATRIEV, and ASEAN Foundation. (JAS/CIO)