Shown in the photo delivering his inspirational message is Dr. David Hull, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Opportunity 2.0 Chief of Party.  Dr. Hall delivered his message during the graduation rites of the Tagbilaran City Out-of-School Youth completers on August 12, 2022. Contributed photo

46 out-of-school youths (OSY) from Tagbilaran City have successfully completed technical and soft skills training through the Youth Access to Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Online Program under United States Agency for International Development (ISAID) Opportunity 2.0, a report from the City Media Bureau said.

The beneficiaries completed trainings on Bread & Pastry NC II, Electrical Installation & Maintenance NC II, Front Office Services NC II, Food & Beverage Services NC II, and Cookery NC II.

The U.S. government spearheaded USAID Opportunity 2.0 which is geared to support the education, employment, and livelihood needs of OSY in Tagbilaran City.

The five-year, P 1.9 billion Opportunity 2.0: Second-Chance Opportunities for Out-of-School Youth program is working with the Department of Education (DepEd), TESDA, and local governments to support its programs to provide relevant education, employability skills, and work experience to 180,000 OSY across the Philippines.

“A key element in this journey of youth transformation is partnership. Alliances that consist of committed and capable individuals and institutions who selflessly put in their time, effort, and resources to advance our shared goal has to be a central feature in improving the lives of youth in communities in Angeles City and across the country,” Thomas LeBlanc, Director of Education of USAID/Philippines said.

USAID works with local governments in 12 cities across the country to set up Youth Development Alliances that mobilize resources to help the OSY.

The program worked with over 2,200 employers and at least 50 education or training institutions, including major hubs like Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Davao.

Former Mayor John Geesnell Yap II expressed strong commitment for the program: “We warmly embrace, commit to the success of this project.”

Former Mayor Yap called on all stakeholders to collaborate for the youth.

Opportunity 2.0 is implemented by U.S.-based Education Development Center, with partners Accenture, Philippine Business for Education, Catholic Relief Services, Voluntary Services Overseas among others.

Tagb’s LHB sets direction for 2022

City Councilor Engr. Gemma Inting is shown in the photo during the workshop of the Local Housing Board. The workshop was held on August 11 and 12, 2022. The councilor was busy outlining the problems besetting the housing backlog in Tagbilaran. Contributed photo

An intensive assessment and direction-setting happened for two days to carve out the plan for the initiatives of the Tagbilaran Local Housing Board (LHB) for 2022.

The United States Agency for International Development – Cities for Enhanced Governance and Engagement (USAID-CHANGE) Coordinator Dr. Rosalinda Paredes led the two-day workshop.

City Mayor Jane Yap showed her full commitment to the undertaking as reflected by the message she gave during the workshop.

“Budget was already allocated for the Tenement Housing Project in Barangay Dampas, but we should remember that not all will be benefitted. We have to prioritize those who are living in hazardous areas and those who were affected by government-funded projects. Rest assured that a strict beneficiary selection will be put in place. I am looking forward to your concrete plan with clear targets for completion within 3 years,” Mayor Jane Yap said.

Vice-Mayor Adam Relson Jala also reinforced the local chief executive’s message emphasizing that an ordinance creating an office solely dedicated to housing will be passed soon.

Representatives from the various urban poor organizations, department heads, and representatives from national government agencies participated in the workshop.

The Local Shelter Plan, which is set to be updated this year,  by the LHB, the reports said.

Another important priority is the establishment of the housing office that will undertake all the concerns pertaining to housing.

City officials also emphasized that strict monitoring of illegal dwellers should be implemented.