Quezon city: The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has joined forces with SM Supermalls to introduce a job immersion program that aims to enhance the digital skills of senior high school (SHS) students. During a launch event for the Job Opportunities Building Skills (JOBS) Immersion Program, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda and SM Supermalls Vice President Junias Eusebio signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to provide work immersion opportunities to students, thereby enriching their digital experience.
According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative is designed to bolster students’ competencies in various sectors such as information technology (IT), e-commerce, hospitality, manufacturing, and the creative industries, all of which are expanding within the digital economy. The Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) – Education and Job Cluster (E and J) is also a key collaborator in this program, with Josephine Romero, head secretariat of PSAC – E and J, present as a witness during the MOU signing.
This collaboration forms part of the DICT’s broader ‘Trabahong Digital’ (Digital Jobs) program, which aims to generate over 8 million digital jobs by 2028. The program focuses on digital upskilling to help Filipinos secure employment in freelancing, e-commerce, online services, and tech-based careers, which are witnessing significant growth in the country.
Through the JOBS program, the DICT emphasizes empowering students to shape their digital future. Secretary Aguda highlighted the importance of active participation in learning new skills and taking initiatives, urging Filipino youth to take charge of their future today.
In conjunction with the program, the DICT introduced the Digital Corner learning booth initiative, aimed at equipping students and their parents with essential digital skills ranging from basic computer usage to more advanced topics like coding, cybersecurity, and online entrepreneurship. These booths will be featured at JOBS fairs and immersion events.
The launch event also included an SHS job immersion launch, as well as career and job readiness talks. These sessions provided a platform for experts to share valuable insights on career planning, utilizing AI in job searches, and achieving digital readiness.
The program launch saw participation from representatives of the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Private Sector Jobs and Skills Corporation, alongside DICT, SM Supermalls, and PSAC – E and J.
