The US government, through the United States Agency for International Development, recently launched the Opportunity 2.0 program in Pasig City to address the education, employment, and livelihood needs of out-of-school youth in the city.

USAID Philippines Mission Director Ryan Washburn joined Pasig City Councilor Quin King Cruz, Department of Education Assistant Secretary G.H. Ambat, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority District Director Leonardo Pinlac, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig OIC President Reggie Maningas, and other local partners at the Opportunity 2.0 program launch held on 15 September.

"It is my joy to be witnessing the launch of (USAID's Opportunity 2.0) for our out-of-school youth here in the City of Pasig…  We share your vision, and I believe that we are all here today because we have a common goal of wanting to uplift the lives of our OSY here in the City of Pasig," said Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto in a pre-recorded message.

"By working with our Filipino partners across all sectors, we are able to provide youth with upskilling opportunities, community engagement activities, and productive livelihoods and employment to prepare them as the country's new generation of workers and entrepreneurs," said USAID Philippines Mission Director Washburn.

As part of Opportunity 2.0, USAID will also establish a Pasig City Youth Development Alliance that brings together government agencies, local businesses, schools, and youth leaders to coordinate local efforts to help the city's OSY.  To date, USAID has helped establish Youth Development Alliances in 15 cities across the country.

Through the five-year, P1.9 billion ($37.5 million) Opportunity 2.0 program, USAID is working with more than 900 employers and 40 education or training institutions to provide relevant education, employability skills, and work experience to 180,000 out-of-school youth across the Philippines.

The United States government has been a key development champion in the Philippines for over 60 years, working with individuals, communities, and the government to improve everyday lives.